The 2026 Vault Accounting rankings are in, and they tell a story that every business student thinking about an accounting career should pay attention.
With hiring challenges, shifts in work-life balance, and firms scaling back remote work options, the accounting industry is evolving and it’s evolving quickly. Each year, 10,000 accounting professionals weigh in on their firms, ranking everything from compensation and benefits to training and work-life balance. Which firms landed at the top this year?
The Top Ten Accounting Firms 2026:
IN FIRST PLACE, PwC
This year, PwC held onto the No. 1 spot, leading in the Prestige and Practice categories (Audit, Tax, and Forensic Accounting). Vault gathered opinions from employees, who shared they love this company’s flexibility, strong training programs, and endless growth opportunities. They see the company as one of the best places to build a long-term career.
IN SECOND PLACE, EY
EY moved up a place – from No. 3 in last year’s rankings to No. 2 in 2026. Professionals here raved about the company’s mentorship, career development opportunities, and unlimited vacation policy – a huge perk in an industry known for intense workloads. EY’s focus on work-life balance makes it a standout choice for students who want a career that pushes them to excel without sacrificing personal time.
IN THIRD IS KPMG
In this year’s rankings KPMG dropped to No. 3 from No. 2 last year, yet still remains at the top. Employees said this firm is all about career development and a solid work-life balance. This firm is well-known for their strong investment in employee training, so students should rest assured they’ll be supported as they dive into their careers.
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