Accenture also pays the most for those with at least five years of experience, although the difference is a far smaller $5,000 from the next highest paying firm, Deloitte.
An Accenture senior consultant (known as a manager internally) with at least five years of experience will earn $130,000, with a Deloitte manager only slightly behind at $125,000. PwC pays at least $93,500, EY $87,600 and KPMG $83,000.
The data represents the minimum pay for typical experience for each firm and relates only to pay for consultants at the five firms. Minimum pay in other divisions may vary significantly.
While Accenture, Deloitte and PwC helped validate the minimum pay rates and experience required at their respective firms, EY and KPMG declined to comment on the pay data provided.
Accenture’s high pay rates are partially due to the firm’s global approach to remuneration and training.
“The strength of our organisation lies in our people and whilst remuneration isn’t the only benefit employees care about, it is important to ensure we retain and attract top talent,” said Sarah Kruger, Accenture’s head of human resources for Australia and New Zealand.
Staff looking for pay and training
Catherine Walsh, PwC’s head of people and culture, said the firm’s competitive pay rates were designed to attract the best consultants.
“We offer competitive remuneration packages to help us attract the best talent. We undertook mid-year pay reviews and we’re working through our annual review cycle at the moment with corresponding promotions, pay rises and bonuses to occur effective 1 July,” Ms Walsh said.
“We also know prospective employees are looking for more than a pay packet. They want great clients, leaders they can learn from and an opportunity to make a difference through their work. They also want flexibility, digital upskilling and other development opportunities and they want to work for firms that put health and wellbeing at the centre of everything they do.
Advertisem*nt
“We know all of this is important, and we’re focused on creating incredible opportunities and experiences for our people.”
Deloitte declined to provide a formal comment but noted that salaries for in-demand consulting skills will rise as of July 1.
At the more junior levels, Accenture continues to lead the way, with KPMG consistently having the lowest minimum pay.
Accenture pays at least $96,000 for professionals with at least three years of experience, while Deloitte was just behind at $95,000. (Deloitte calls this rank “senior consultant”, while the other firms referred to the level as “consultant”.)
EY and KPMG were well behind their rivals at this level of experience with EY paying at least $66,500 and KPMG paying at least $62,800,
Accenture and PwC paid the highest minimum pay for new starters and analysts, at $68,000, while KPMG had a minimum pay of $60,000 for analysts.
Advertisem*nt
A KPMG spokeswoman said that staff join the firm for a variety of reasons beyond pay.
“Our people tell us they’re attracted to the diversity of meaningful work, connection to our communities, competitive pay and benefits, and fast performance-based progression,” she said.
“For example, it’s not uncommon for people to progress to manager level within 4 years. Salaries vary significantly, based on factors such as specialisation, service line, skill sets and experience – and market demand for these.”
An EY spokeswoman said the firm would not “comment on salaries” but pointed out that promotions and pay rises would be brought forward by three months to July 1.
