Salary in Big 4 audit


The salary in the Big 4 audit department is one of the most attractive aspects of a career in auditing. With each level of experience, from articleship to senior partner, salary increases are significant, reflecting both growing responsibilities and expertise. This article provides an overview of the salary progression in the audit departments of the Big 4 accounting firms.

Salary Structure in Big 4 Audit Department: An In-Depth Guide

1. Salary for Articleship in Big 4 Audit : During the articleship phase, CA students work under the guidance of Chartered accountants firms like Big 4 , earning practical exposure. The stipend provided increases each year as follows:

  • 1st Year Articleship: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000
  • 2nd Year Articleship: ₹15,000 - ₹25,000
  • 3rd Year Articleship: ₹20,000 - ₹30,000
These stipends may vary slightly across Big 4 firms.

2. Salary for Qualified CAs in Big 4 Audit : After qualifying as a chartered accountant, if one completed their articleship from a firm other than a Big 4 firm, they would typically start as an Associate. However, if someone completed their articleship at Big 4 firm, they would directly join as a Senior Associate, effectively saving one year as an Associate

The salary progression based on experience in the Big 4 Audit department is structured as follows: 

First Year CA (Associate/Executive)

  • Salary: ₹8 - ₹10 lakhs per annum (LPA)
Second Year CA (Senior Associate/Senior Executive)
  • Salary: ₹10 - ₹12 LPA

3. Salary Growth After 3-5 Years: Leadership Roles : As CAs accumulate experience, they progress to leadership roles, taking on more responsibilities, including managing teams and client relationships.

3-5 Years Experience (Assistant Manager Audit)

  • Salary: ₹12 - ₹16 LPA
6-7 Years Experience (Manager Audit)
  • Salary: ₹18 - ₹24 LPA
8-10 Years Experience (Senior Manager/Associate Director Audit)
  • Salary: ₹27 - ₹35 LPA

4. Salary for Senior Positions in Big 4 Audit : 

For those with more than a 10 years of experience, the salary escalates steeply, reflecting both the importance of their role and the level of responsibility.

11-13 Years Experience (Director Audit)

  • Salary: ₹40 - ₹50 LPA
14-15 Years Experience (Executive Director Audit)
  • Salary: ₹70 - ₹80 LPA

5. Salary for Partner Level in Big 4 Audit : Reaching the partner level in a Big 4 firm is the ultimate goal for many CAs. Salaries here are highly competitive, with potential for profit sharing as well.

15+ Years Experience (Partner Audit)

  • Salary: ₹1 crore+ (increasing with time and firm performance)
25+ Years Experience (Senior Partner Audit)
  • Salary: Profit-sharing and salary component; can go beyond ₹1 crore.

Responsibilities Increase Along with Salary Growth : With each promotion in the Big 4 audit departments, the responsibilities grow exponentially. 
Career Path and Salary in Big 4 Audit: Summary The salary offered in the Big 4 Audit department reflects the level of skill and experience a professional has acquired. The journey from articleship to partner requires hard work, perseverance, and continuous professional development, but the rewards, both monetary and in terms of career progression, are substantial.
FAQs

Q1: What is the stipend for articleship in the Big 4?

The stipend ranges between ₹10,000 - ₹30,000 depending on the year of articleship.

Q2: What is the starting salary for a qualified CA in Big 4 Audit?

A newly qualified CA can expect to earn ₹8 - ₹10 LPA in the first year.

Q3: How much does a partner earn in Big 4 Audit?

A partner's salary starts from ₹1 crore+ and can increase with profit sharing and performance.


CA Tushar Makkar
Author - Auditing in real life | Consulting in India, US, Europe and Middle East | Content creator | Ex-PwC | CA AIR 47 Nov' 17 | YouTuber 40k+ | Expertise in manage accounts and Audit