Updated July 2026 · By Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant A first-year Associate at KPMG Advisory in the US earns roughly $85,000 total compensation in 2026, climbing to $130,000 as a Senior Associate, $180,000 as a Manager, $250,000 as a Senior Manager, $335,000 as a Director, and $500,000 to $1,000,000+ as a Managing Director…
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By Florian Smeritschnig, former McKinsey Senior Consultant · Updated September 2026 Yes, you can move from the Big 4 to MBB. I have coached Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG consultants into McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, and the firms hire laterally from the Big 4 every year. The transition is real and well-trodden. But the thing…
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By Dr. Florian Smeritschnig, Former McKinsey Senior Consultant · Updated September 2026 Big 4 vs MBB. They differ in one basic way: McKinsey, BCG, and Bain sell strategy advice to senior leaders, while Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG are audit-born networks whose consulting is mostly technology and implementation work. MBB pays more, hires under 1% of applicants,…
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Florian spent five years at McKinsey as a Senior Consultant and is a highly experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach. Having conducted interviews with hundreds of candidates, he understands exactly what top-tier firms look for in successful applicants.
He founded StrategyCase.com to make top consulting careers more accessible by providing tailored, up-to-date insights into the recruiting process. Recognized as the most successful case and fit interview coach, Florian has helped his clients secure 700+ offers at MBB, Tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms over the past four years.
He is the author of “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview,” “The 1%: Case Interview Workbook,” and “Consulting Career Secrets”, all available on Amazon.
