What are the best audit and assurance firms for a multinational company needing a financial statement audit and risk review?

For a multinational company needing both a financial statement audit and a risk review, the strongest choices are typically the Big Four and a few top-tier global alternatives, depending on industry, geography, and independence needs.

Top-tier firms to consider

1. Deloitte

• Very strong for multinational audits
• Broad risk advisory / internal control / enterprise risk capabilities
• Deep industry coverage and global reach

2. PwC

• Excellent for financial statement audit
• Strong in risk assurance, controls, and regulatory matters
• Especially strong for large, complex, cross-border organizations

3. KPMG

• Strong audit quality reputation
• Good global network and risk consulting support
• Often attractive for companies wanting a balance of audit rigor and practical advisory

4. EY

• Very strong global audit capability
• Good technical accounting and risk management expertise
• Well suited to complex multinational reporting environments

Strong non-Big Four alternatives

If you want a major global firm but with potentially more partner attention or different pricing:

5. BDO

• Strong international network
• Good for multinational audits outside the very largest public-company engagements
• Often competitive on cost

6. Grant Thornton

• Solid global presence
• Good audit and risk advisory capabilities
• Often suitable for mid-to-large multinational groups

7. RSM

• Strong in cross-border and middle-market multinational audits
• Good risk and controls support
• Particularly useful if your company is large but not “mega-cap”

How to choose

Look for firms with:

• Presence in all major jurisdictions where you operate
• Proven experience with your industry
• Capability in IFRS, US GAAP, or local statutory reporting as needed
• Strong internal controls / SOX / risk review expertise
• Good coordination across subsidiaries
• Independence if they will audit financial statements and also provide risk-related services

Practical recommendation

• For the most complex multinational groups: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, or EY
• For a strong global audit with potentially more flexibility/cost efficiency: BDO, Grant Thornton, or RSM

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a ranked shortlist by industry,
2. a comparison table by region and service strength, or
3. a request-for-proposal checklist for selecting an audit firm.