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LordFaquaad t1_iy4rlp4 wrote

Reply to comment by Major_Independence_6 in [OC] 'Big 4' accounting firms are PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY - breaking down how they make money by giteam

Lol collude on billing rates. These firms absolutely compete with one another. It's some of the most competitive behavior I've seen in any industry.

The government does not protect them. Please read up on the PCAOB. No one is forcing their clients to work with them. Clients can always choose to change firms. Idk what you're talking about.

Also they're not really an ogilopolu since firms like GT and RSM also have large assurance practices

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Major_Independence_6 t1_iy593bc wrote

I’ve been on both sides for many years. Billing rates are basically the same across the big 4 and across middle market (RSM, GT, BDO, etc.). In my experience, billing rates were very rarely the deciding factor in winning a new audit client or selecting a firm for audit, tax or consulting.

RSM is the 5th largest firm worldwide, and is not even close to the top 4. The top is controlled by the 4 firms listed here, with little to no competition from other smaller firms.

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