The big four (Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers) reported robust growth in 2011. The rates of growth of the four were between 7.6 percent and 10.1 percent. The firms saw growth in several areas with Asian advisory services growing at an impressive 17. 4 percent. The growth follows modest growth in 2010 and a decline in 2009.

Another factor that helped out all four firms was a declining dollar. While growth in local currency was lower when reported in dollars they got a currency boost. However the growth was world wide with even Europe posting increases despite their recession.

The title of largest accounting firm went back to PricewaterhouseCoopers with revenues of $29.2 billion in 2011. After spending only one year with the title Deloitte moved back to second with revenues of $28.2 billion.  In third was Ernst & Young with $22.9 billion. The fourth of the big four remains KPMG but the decreased the gap with the strongest revenue growth of the four. Their 2011 revenues were $22.7 billion.

While these firms do a great job for large companies needing audits they are unlikely to be the best bet for small and medium sized companies. They are better served by a local accountant. They have the attention and capacity to help companies grow smartly. And of course they can handle any tax filing.

If you would like more details on the revenue of the big four you can download the report from big4.com.