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3 December 2025 at 14:14
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Business

Big Five Audit Firms Report Major Partner Earnings in Norway

By Magnus Olsen •

An overview shows fifty-one partners at major audit and consultancy firms in Norway earned over ten million kroner last year. The Big Five firms employ over 10,000 people and generate more than 20 billion kroner in revenue. The data highlights the lucrative professional services sector that supports Norway's key industries.

Big Five Audit Firms Report Major Partner Earnings in Norway

A new financial overview reveals substantial earnings for partners at Norway's largest professional services firms. Fifty-one partners across five major companies reported incomes exceeding ten million kroner last year. The firms include EY, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and BDO. These companies collectively employ over ten thousand people in Norway. Their combined annual turnover surpasses twenty billion kroner. A newly appointed EY partner commented on the figures. The partner said the high earnings result from hard work over many years. The statement highlights the lucrative nature of senior roles in Norway's consultancy and audit sector.

This financial disclosure comes amid broader discussions about income equality and corporate transparency in Norway. The Nordic model traditionally emphasizes social cohesion and relatively compressed wage structures. High partner pay at international firms sometimes contrasts with this principle. These firms play a critical role in advising Norway's key industries. Their clients include major players in the oil and gas sector, shipping, and sovereign wealth fund management. The health of these advisory firms is often a bellwether for the broader Norwegian economy. When they thrive, it typically signals robust corporate activity and investment.

The substantial revenues also underscore Norway's position as a complex, high-value economy. The need for sophisticated audit, tax, and consulting services remains strong. This is especially true for industries navigating the energy transition and new Arctic regulations. The government in Oslo frequently engages these firms for policy analysis and public sector projects. Their influence extends into the halls of the Storting, Norway's parliament, through various advisory roles. The earnings data provides a clear window into the professional services market. It shows where significant economic value is captured within the Norwegian business landscape.

For international observers, these figures illustrate the scale of Norway's professional economy beyond its natural resources. The country hosts a dense network of high-skilled service providers. This sector supports the vast capital generated from North Sea oil fields like Johan Sverdrup and Snorre. It also manages the complexities of the Government Pension Fund Global. The partner earnings reflect a premium for expertise in a small, advanced economy. The data is likely to inform ongoing debates about taxation and executive compensation. It raises questions about value distribution in a nation famed for its egalitarian ideals.

Published: December 3, 2025

Tags: Norway audit firm earningsBig Four partner income NorwayNorwegian professional services revenue