The accounting industry plays a critical role in the financial health and transparency of businesses and economies. In the United States, accounting firms offer a range of services, including auditing, tax advisory, consulting, and risk management. This article explores the top ten accounting firms in the USA, detailing their history, service offerings, market influence, and contributions to the industry.
Top 10 Accounting Firms in the USA
1. Deloitte
Historical Context
Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, was founded in 1845 by William Welch Deloitte in London. The firm expanded to the United States in the late 19th century and has since grown into one of the largest professional services networks in the world.
Service Offerings
Deloitte offers a comprehensive range of services, including audit and assurance, consulting, tax advisory, and risk management. The firm serves clients across various industries, from financial services and healthcare to technology and consumer products.
Market Influence
Deloitte is renowned for its extensive global reach and innovation in professional services. The firm invests heavily in technology and data analytics to enhance its service offerings and deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients. Deloitte’s thought leadership and research initiatives make it a key influencer in the accounting industry.
Contributions to the Industry
Deloitte’s commitment to quality, integrity, and professional excellence has established it as a trusted advisor to many of the world’s leading companies. The firm’s focus on diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable business practices further strengthens its reputation and impact on the industry.
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2. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Historical Context
PwC traces its origins back to 1849 with the founding of Price Waterhouse & Co. and Cooper Brothers. The two firms merged in 1998 to form PricewaterhouseCoopers, creating one of the largest professional services networks globally.
Service Offerings
PwC provides a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, consulting, tax advisory, and legal services. The firm serves a diverse client base, from multinational corporations and public sector entities to private businesses and individuals.
Market Influence
PwC is known for its expertise in audit and assurance services, delivering high-quality financial reporting and regulatory compliance solutions. The firm’s consulting division offers strategic advice on business transformation, digital innovation, and risk management. PwC’s extensive global network and industry-specific knowledge make it a leader in the professional services sector.
Contributions to the Industry
PwC is committed to building trust in society and solving important problems. The firm’s initiatives in corporate responsibility, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. PwC’s emphasis on innovation and technology ensures it remains at the forefront of the accounting industry.
3. Ernst & Young (EY)
Historical Context
Ernst & Young, commonly known as EY, was formed through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. in 1989. Both firms have roots dating back to the early 20th century, making EY one of the most established names in the industry.
Service Offerings
EY offers a broad spectrum of services, including audit and assurance, consulting, tax advisory, and transaction advisory services. The firm works with clients across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and consumer products.
Market Influence
EY is recognized for its strong focus on audit quality and regulatory compliance. The firm’s consulting services help clients navigate complex business challenges, from digital transformation and innovation to risk management and operational improvement. EY’s global network and industry expertise position it as a trusted advisor to many leading organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
EY’s purpose is to build a better working world, and this commitment is reflected in its corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives. The firm invests in people, technology, and innovation to drive long-term value for clients and society. EY’s focus on diversity and inclusion, ethical business practices, and community engagement further enhances its impact on the industry.
4. KPMG
Historical Context
KPMG, another member of the “Big Four,” was formed in 1987 through the merger of Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG) and Peat Marwick International. The firm has a history dating back to the 19th century, making it one of the oldest accounting firms in the world.
Service Offerings
KPMG provides a comprehensive range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and deal advisory. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and energy.
Market Influence
KPMG is known for its strong focus on audit quality and regulatory compliance. The firm’s consulting services help clients address strategic, operational, and technological challenges. KPMG’s global network and industry-specific knowledge make it a leader in professional services.
Contributions to the Industry
KPMG is committed to delivering quality in every engagement, ensuring that clients receive the highest standards of service. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. KPMG’s investments in technology and innovation ensure it remains at the forefront of the accounting industry.
5. Grant Thornton
Historical Context
Grant Thornton was founded in 1924 and has grown into one of the largest accounting networks outside the “Big Four.” The firm is known for its focus on serving mid-market companies and organizations.
Service Offerings
Grant Thornton offers a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and transaction advisory services. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Market Influence
Grant Thornton is recognized for its expertise in serving mid-market clients, providing tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and opportunities. The firm’s consulting services help clients navigate business transformations, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Grant Thornton’s global network and industry knowledge make it a trusted advisor to mid-market organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
Grant Thornton is committed to helping clients unlock their potential for growth and success. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. Grant Thornton’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a leader in the mid-market segment.
6. BDO USA
Historical Context
BDO USA, part of the international BDO network, was founded in 1910. The firm has grown into one of the largest accounting networks, known for its focus on exceptional client service.
Service Offerings
BDO USA provides a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and business advisory services. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Market Influence
BDO USA is recognized for its strong focus on client service, providing personalized and responsive solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. The firm’s consulting services help clients address business challenges, from regulatory compliance and risk management to digital transformation and operational improvement. BDO USA’s global network and industry expertise make it a trusted advisor to many organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
BDO USA is committed to delivering exceptional client service and building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. BDO USA’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a leader in the accounting industry.
7. RSM US LLP
Historical Context
RSM US LLP, formerly known as McGladrey, was founded in 1926. The firm is a member of the global RSM network and is known for its focus on serving middle-market clients.
Service Offerings
RSM US LLP provides a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and transaction advisory services. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Market Influence
RSM US LLP is recognized for its expertise in serving middle-market clients, providing tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and opportunities. The firm’s consulting services help clients navigate business transformations, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. RSM US LLP’s global network and industry knowledge make it a trusted advisor to middle-market organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
RSM US LLP is committed to helping clients achieve their business goals and unlock their potential for growth and success. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. RSM US LLP’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a leader in the middle-market segment.
8. Crowe LLP
Historical Context
Crowe LLP, founded in 1942, has grown into one of the largest accounting firms in the United States. The firm is known for its focus on innovation and expertise in various industries.
Service Offerings
Crowe LLP provides a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and risk advisory services. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Market Influence
Crowe LLP is recognized for its strong focus on innovation, leveraging technology and data analytics to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients. The firm’s consulting services help clients address business challenges, from regulatory compliance and risk management to digital transformation and operational improvement. Crowe LLP’s industry expertise and commitment to quality make it a trusted advisor to many organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
Crowe LLP is committed to delivering exceptional client service and building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. Crowe LLP’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a leader in the accounting industry.
9. Baker Tilly US, LLP
Historical Context
Baker Tilly US, LLP, formerly known as Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, was founded in 1931. The firm is a member of the global Baker Tilly network and is known for its focus on driving sustainable growth for clients.
Service Offerings
Baker Tilly US, LLP provides a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and advisory services. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Market Influence
Baker Tilly US, LLP is recognized for its strong focus on delivering value to clients through innovative solutions and industry expertise. The firm’s consulting services help clients address business challenges, from regulatory compliance and risk management to digital transformation and operational improvement. Baker Tilly US, LLP’s global network and industry knowledge make it a trusted advisor to many organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
Baker Tilly US, LLP is committed to helping clients achieve their business goals and drive sustainable growth. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its dedication to making a positive impact. Baker Tilly US, LLP’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a leader in the accounting industry.
10. CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (MHM)
Historical Context
CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (MHM) was founded in 1996 and has grown into one of the largest accounting firms in the United States. The firm is known for its focus on providing comprehensive business solutions.
Service Offerings
CBIZ & MHM provides a wide range of services, including audit and assurance, tax advisory, consulting, and business advisory services. The firm serves clients in various industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Market Influence
CBIZ & MHM is recognized for its strong focus on delivering value to clients through comprehensive business solutions and industry expertise. The firm’s consulting services help clients address a range of business challenges, from regulatory compliance and risk management to strategic planning and operational efficiency. CBIZ & MHM’s combination of extensive industry knowledge and personalized service makes it a trusted advisor to many organizations.
Contributions to the Industry
CBIZ & MHM is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and fostering long-term relationships based on trust and integrity. The firm’s corporate responsibility initiatives, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement, reflect its commitment to making a positive impact. CBIZ & MHM’s focus on innovation and quality ensures it remains a leader in the accounting industry.
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Conclusion
The accounting industry in the United States is characterized by a diverse array of firms, each bringing unique strengths and capabilities to the table. From the “Big Four” giants to mid-market specialists and innovative leaders, these top ten accounting firms play a crucial role in maintaining financial transparency, compliance, and strategic growth for businesses across the nation.
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