In South Africa, the highest-paying accounting firms are typically those with a large international presence and significant profitability. These firms offer competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent. Here are some of the top-paying accounting firms, along with estimated salary ranges and insights into their size and profitability.
Deloitte
Deloitte is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms and is known for its extensive global network and diverse service offerings. In South Africa, Deloitte is a leader in audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R300,000 to R450,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R500,000 to R800,000 per year
- Manager: R900,000 to R1,200,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R1,300,000 to R1,800,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R2,000,000+ per year
Deloitte’s size and profitability contribute significantly to its ability to offer high salaries. Globally, Deloitte reported revenues of over $50 billion in the 2022 fiscal year, with substantial contributions from its South African operations.
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
PwC is another major player in the accounting industry and one of the “Big Four” firms. PwC offers a wide range of services, including audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R280,000 to R420,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R480,000 to R750,000 per year
- Manager: R850,000 to R1,100,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R1,200,000 to R1,700,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R2,100,000+ per year
PwC’s global revenue was approximately $45 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. The firm’s strong presence in South Africa enhances its ability to provide lucrative compensation packages.
EY (Ernst & Young)
EY is renowned for its comprehensive range of services, including audit, advisory, tax, and transaction advisory services. EY is also a “Big Four” firm and maintains a strong presence in South Africa.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R290,000 to R430,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R490,000 to R780,000 per year
- Manager: R870,000 to R1,150,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R1,250,000 to R1,800,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R2,200,000+ per year
EY’s global revenue exceeded $40 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. The firm’s profitability and expansive client base support its ability to offer high salaries to its employees.
KPMG
KPMG is the fourth member of the “Big Four” and offers audit, tax, and advisory services. KPMG is well-regarded for its commitment to employee development and competitive pay structures.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R270,000 to R410,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R470,000 to R740,000 per year
- Manager: R840,000 to R1,100,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R1,200,000 to R1,700,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R2,000,000+ per year
KPMG’s global revenue was around $32 billion in the 2022 fiscal year. The firm’s strong financial performance enables it to offer attractive salaries in South Africa.
BDO
BDO is a significant player in the accounting sector, known for its personalized services and competitive salary offerings. While not as large as the “Big Four,” BDO still provides lucrative compensation packages.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R250,000 to R400,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R450,000 to R700,000 per year
- Manager: R800,000 to R1,000,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R1,100,000 to R1,500,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,800,000+ per year
BDO’s revenue, although smaller in scale compared to the “Big Four,” still supports competitive salaries through its strong market presence and client-focused approach.
Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is a prominent global accounting and consulting firm with a strong presence in South Africa. The firm provides audit, tax, advisory, and business consulting services.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R240,000 to R380,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R430,000 to R680,000 per year
- Manager: R750,000 to R950,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R1,000,000 to R1,400,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,600,000+ per year
Grant Thornton’s global revenue is over $6 billion, and its robust South African operations contribute to its ability to offer competitive compensation.
Mazars
Mazars is an international audit, tax, and advisory firm with a significant presence in South Africa. Known for its client-centric approach and comprehensive service offerings, Mazars is a desirable employer for accounting professionals.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R230,000 to R370,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R420,000 to R670,000 per year
- Manager: R720,000 to R930,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R980,000 to R1,350,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,500,000+ per year
Mazars has a global revenue exceeding $2 billion, with a strong performance in South Africa, supporting its ability to provide attractive salaries.
SNG Grant Thornton
SNG Grant Thornton is a member firm of Grant Thornton International and is one of the leading professional services firms in South Africa. They offer a full range of services including audit, advisory, and tax.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R220,000 to R360,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R410,000 to R660,000 per year
- Manager: R700,000 to R900,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R950,000 to R1,300,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,400,000+ per year
SNG Grant Thornton’s affiliation with Grant Thornton International and its robust local market presence ensure competitive compensation packages.
PKF
PKF is an international network of accounting firms providing audit, accounting, and business advisory services. PKF is well-regarded in South Africa for its professional services and competitive pay scales.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R210,000 to R350,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R400,000 to R640,000 per year
- Manager: R690,000 to R880,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R920,000 to R1,250,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,300,000+ per year
PKF’s global network and strong local expertise allow it to offer competitive salaries to attract top talent.
RSM
RSM is a global network of audit, tax, and consulting firms with a significant presence in South Africa. RSM is known for its high-quality services and competitive compensation packages.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R220,000 to R360,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R410,000 to R650,000 per year
- Manager: R680,000 to R870,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R910,000 to R1,200,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,300,000+ per year
RSM’s global revenue of approximately $7 billion, combined with its strong presence in South Africa, supports its ability to offer competitive salaries.
Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly is a leading global network of independent accounting and business advisory firms. In South Africa, Baker Tilly is known for its competitive salaries and comprehensive service offerings.
- Estimated Salaries:
- Entry-Level Accountant: R200,000 to R340,000 per year
- Senior Accountant: R390,000 to R630,000 per year
- Manager: R670,000 to R850,000 per year
- Senior Manager: R890,000 to R1,150,000 per year
- Director/Partner: R1,250,000+ per year
Baker Tilly’s global network and strong local market presence ensure that it can offer attractive compensation packages to its employees.
These firms are known for their strong market positions, significant revenue, and ability to offer attractive salaries. They provide comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, and professional development programs, making them desirable employers for accounting professionals in South Africa.