Business

The Big Four in Luxembourg 2025: career boost or burnout

Explore how Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC shape Luxembourg’s job market with a combined €1.5 billion turnover. Learn about their influence, innovative strategies, and the way to get a job within these global leaders.

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In 2023, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC generated €1.549 billion in Luxembourg, a 14% leap from the prior year. Employing over 9,100 professionals, these firms drive the nation’s financial sector and offer ambitious professionals a platform to excel in audit, tax, and advisory services.

The big role of the big companies in Luxembourg

On a crisp morning in Luxembourg’s Kirchberg district, the offices of Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC are already navigating complex financial challenges for global clients. These firms, collectively known as the Big Four, are cornerstones of the Grand Duchy’s economy, posting a combined turnover of €1.549 billion in 2023, up 14% from 2022.

Each firm has distinct roles:

PwC dominates financial services, integrating technology alliances and managed services.
Deloitte focuses on digitalisation, excelling in risk advisory and cybersecurity.
EY thrives in strategy and transactions, with a 44.2% segment growth in 2022.
KPMG capitalises on private assets, boosting audit revenues by 22% to €166 million in 2023.

PwC leads with €543 million in turnover, the first to cross the €500 million threshold, followed by Deloitte (€462 million), EY (€369 million), and KPMG (€319 million). Growth rates ranged from 7% (Deloitte) to 13.3% (EY), driven by demand for audit, tax, and advisory services. Employing over 9,100 professionals — PwC with 3,200, Deloitte 2,537, EY 1,846, and KPMG 1,862 — the firms rank among Luxembourg’s top employers, with PwC as the ninth-largest, per Statec’s 2023 data. Yet, challenges like talent shortages and audit quality concerns, with none meeting the Financial Reporting Council’s 90% quality target, test their resilience.

The firms adapt to market shifts, prioritizing digital tools and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) services. Regulatory changes, especially in international taxation, have sustained advisory demand since the 2008 financial crisis. EY’s exploration of separating its audit and advisory arms signals potential industry shifts, though PwC and KPMG defend their integrated models for client synergy.

Career path with the Big Four

Let's say, a recent graduate entering Deloitte’s Cloche d’Or office, ready to manage fund audits for some investors. The Big Four are real career accelerators, hiring hundreds annually to meet various client needs. In 2022, PwC targeted 910 recruits, Deloitte hit 500, EY – 700, and KPMG – 500, per Paperjam reports.

Diversity defines the workforce

PwC employs 1,051 French, 438 Belgian, and 203 German border workers among its 3,385 staff. To support them, PwC operates seven offices, for instance. Yet, recruitment remains challenging, with PwC’s HR Director, Lieven Lambrecht, noting in 2023 that filling vacancies is tougher despite a pool of young talent.

Why choose KPMG, Deloitte, EY or PwC

A role with these firms offers many benefits, besides the good coverage for workers.

Great CV. Work with Fortune 500 clients and earn credentials like the ACA.
Good pay. Junior auditors earn €33,000–€44,000, managers €66,000–€80,000, with 5–12% bonuses, per Glassdoor 2022 data.
Remote or not. Hybrid models and satellite offices ease commutes, especially for border workers.

Still, audit season demands can stretch work hours, with some roles requiring 1–2 hours of daily overtime, impacting work-life balance. Candidates must have some endurance.

Securing a role with Deloitte, EY, KPMG, or PwC requires preparation. Fluency in English and French is essential, with German or Luxembourgish enhancing prospects. Recruitment peaks in September and January, targeting graduates and professionals.

How to get a job with the Big Four in Luxembourg

High turnover, driven by intense workloads, creates opportunities, but resilience is key. Even at the stage of recruitment…

Stand out with your application
Align your CV with each firm’s focus — PwC for funds, Deloitte for consulting, EY for strategy, KPMG for assets. Highlight skills in accounting, finance, or analytics.Align your CV with each firm’s focus — PwC for funds, Deloitte for consulting, EY for strategy, KPMG for assets. Highlight skills in accounting, finance, or analytics.
Show your background
A master’s in finance or business is preferred. Internships strengthen applications, as Deloitte hired 2,500 globally in 2019, half of which were young professionals.A master’s in finance or business is preferred. Internships strengthen applications, as Deloitte hired 2,500 globally in 2019, half of which were young professionals.
Get ready for interviews
Prepare for online assessments (Deloitte, KPMG) testing analytical skills and multiple interviews evaluating technical and interpersonal abilities. Networking via LinkedIn or career fairs can open doors.Prepare for online assessments (Deloitte, KPMG) testing analytical skills and multiple interviews evaluating technical and interpersonal abilities. Networking via LinkedIn or career fairs can open doors.
Optimise your skills
Knowledge of ESG, AI, or digital tools distinguishes candidates in a competitive field.Knowledge of ESG, AI, or digital tools distinguishes candidates in a competitive field.

If you can, talk to people who know about the deal. You can do that by getting in touch with the right professionals on LinkedIn. Some people might tell you things that don't seem important, but that will help you understand what the job is really like. The fast-paced environment can lead to burnout, with some employees saying they work long hours.

The Big Four companies' overall key performance numbers signal strength, but AI adoption, talent retention, mass layoffs and potential restructurings will likely shape their evolution. For professionals, these firms offer a challenge and an opportunity.