In the dynamic landscape of auditing and assurance services, certain firms stand out as leaders, commanding significant market share and influencing industry trends. In England, a diverse range of audit firms competes to provide high-quality audit, advisory, and consulting services to clients across various sectors. In this article, we will delve into the largest audit firms in England in 2024, exploring their key characteristics, market presence, and contributions to the accounting profession.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

PricewaterhouseCoopers, commonly known as PwC, is one of the world’s largest professional services firms, offering a comprehensive range of audit, tax, and advisory services. With a global presence and a strong foothold in England, PwC is recognized for its extensive industry expertise, innovative solutions, and commitment to excellence. In 2024, PwC continues to maintain its position as a leading audit firm in England, serving clients ranging from multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Key Highlights

PwC has a vast network of offices across England, including major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. The firm provides audit services to clients across diverse industries, including financial services, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector organizations.

PwC is known for its thought leadership, conducting research and publishing insights on emerging trends, regulatory developments, and best practices in auditing and financial reporting. In addition to audit services, PwC offers a wide range of advisory services, including risk management, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and sustainability consulting.

Deloitte

Deloitte is a global powerhouse in professional services, offering audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to clients worldwide. In England, Deloitte is a prominent player in the audit market, known for its deep industry knowledge, multidisciplinary approach, and commitment to client service. With a focus on innovation and technology-driven solutions, Deloitte continues to be a trusted advisor to businesses navigating complex challenges and opportunities.

Key Highlights

Deloitte has a strong presence in England, with offices located in major cities such as London, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham, as well as regional offices serving clients across the country. The firm’s audit practice serves a diverse client base, including multinational corporations, private companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Deloitte is at the forefront of digital transformation in auditing, leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation tools to enhance audit quality, efficiency, and insights. In addition to traditional audit services, Deloitte provides a wide range of advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, forensic investigations, regulatory compliance, and sustainability reporting.

Ernst & Young (EY)

Ernst & Young, commonly known as EY, is a global leader in professional services, offering audit, tax, advisory, and transaction services to clients worldwide. In England, EY is renowned for its industry expertise, client-centric approach, and commitment to delivering value-added solutions. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, EY continues to be a trusted advisor to businesses seeking to navigate complexity and drive growth.

Key Highlights

EY has a significant presence in England, with offices located in major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, serving clients across diverse sectors. The firm’s audit practice provides assurance services to a wide range of clients, including listed companies, private equity firms, family-owned businesses, and public sector organizations.

EY is a pioneer in sustainability and responsible business practices, helping clients integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their business strategies and reporting frameworks. In addition to audit services, EY offers a comprehensive suite of advisory services, including strategy consulting, digital transformation, transaction advisory, and risk management.

KPMG

KPMG is a leading provider of audit, tax, and advisory services, with a global footprint and a strong presence in England. Known for its technical expertise, industry insights, and commitment to quality, KPMG is a trusted advisor to businesses facing complex challenges and opportunities. In 2024, KPMG continues to be a key player in the audit market in England, serving clients across a wide range of industries.

Key Highlights

KPMG has a network of offices across England, with a major presence in cities such as London, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, as well as regional offices serving clients nationwide. The firm’s audit practice serves clients in diverse sectors, including financial services, energy and natural resources, healthcare, technology, and public sector organizations.

KPMG is a leader in digital innovation and data analytics, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance audit quality, identify risks, and deliver insights to clients. In addition to audit services, KPMG offers a comprehensive range of advisory services, including cyber security, regulatory compliance, forensic investigations, and corporate finance.

BDO

BDO is a leading mid-tier accounting and advisory firm, providing audit, tax, and advisory services to clients in England and around the world. With a focus on serving privately owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and mid-market companies, BDO offers personalized service, industry expertise, and value-added solutions. In 2024, BDO continues to be a significant player in the audit market in England, serving clients across a wide range of industries.

Key Highlights

BDO has a strong presence in England, with offices located in major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol, as well as regional offices serving clients across the country. The firm’s audit practice serves privately owned businesses, listed companies, charities, and public sector organizations, providing assurance services tailored to the needs of each client.

BDO is known for its proactive approach to client service, offering strategic advice, business insights, and practical solutions to help clients achieve their goals and navigate complex challenges. In addition to audit services, BDO offers a comprehensive suite of advisory services, including corporate finance, restructuring, tax planning, and business consulting.

Conclusion

The landscape of audit firms in England is diverse and dynamic, with a mix of global giants, mid-tier firms, and boutique practices serving clients across various industries and sectors. In 2024, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and BDO continue to be the largest audit firms in England, commanding significant market share and playing a pivotal role in shaping the accounting profession. With their deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and commitment to client service, these firms are trusted advisors to businesses seeking assurance, insight, and guidance in an ever-changing business environment.