TFS Gulf 
- More than 50% of Deloitte Australia’s Partners are staying salaried — an unusually high number for a firm this size, as reported by the Australian Financial Review.
- Salaried partners are choosing not to “buy in” and become equity partners.
- Deloitte Australia’s FY24 revenue was A$2.78 billion — down 2.4% from A$2.85 billion in FY23. Yes, for a firm of nearly 12,000 people and one of the Big 4, that’s a notable dip.
So, what’s happening at Deloitte Australia?
As reported by the Australian Financial Review, under CEO Joanne Gorton, over 800 staff and 100+ partners have been shown the door.
That means there is room for more Equity Partners, but….
Deloitte Australia is struggling to convince salaried partners to “buy in”; that means Salaried Partners DO NOT want to be Equity Partners.
Here is why?
- Salaried Partner Compensation: A$300K–$500K fixed
- Equity Partner Compensation: Based on “units”; however, unit value has fallen from A$1,000 (2018) to A$650 (2025)
- New equity partners typically receive 550 units = ~A$357K/year — often less than their previous salaried pay
This shift has led to internal concerns, some have described it as a “promotion that feels like a demotion.”
Also read: Deloitte layoff 800 UK jobs in 2023 now another 180 in advisory
Deloitte Australia Partner promotions decline
Over the past 12 months, Deloitte Australia’s Partner headcount has dropped by more than 100, now sitting closer to the 900 mark, down from around 1,020.
- In 2024, Deloitte Australia promoted 26 new partners
- In FY 2025, only 35 new partners were appointed of which 29 were non-equity
Meanwhile, over 1,700 employees across levels were promoted.
Also read: Deloitte U.S lost 129 federal contracts worth $372 Million
Deloitte UK: Facing a similar trend
60 new partners were promoted in 2024 (Total Partner count: 1,356)
Average profit per equity partner (PEP) dropped by 5% to £1.01 million
Still the highest among the Big 4:
- PwC: £906k
- EY: £723k
- KPMG: £786k
The shift in partner economics has been accompanied by job cuts: Deloitte UK laid off 800 roles in 2023, followed by another 180 in advisory in 2024!
What’s next at Deloitte Australia?
To encourage buy-ins, the firm is reportedly offering additional incentives, including lifestyle perks.
But the bigger question remains: How long can the firm sustain a partnership structure that disincentivises climbing up?
Big 4 Partner role losing its attractiveness?
Paul Webster, a former EY executive, told Business Insider, “It used to be that once you became Partner, it was a job for life. That’s no longer the case.”
With tighter margins, some firms are asking Senior Partners to retire early (Deloitte India’s Golden Handshake) or accept lower pay; a trade-off few are willing to make.
Becoming a partner was seen as the ultimate goal at a Big 4 firm. However, it is no longer as lucrative as it used to be.
FAQs
Are other Big 4 firms seeing a drop in the number of partners?
Yes. Economic headwinds and internal restructuring have led to declines:
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PwC UK: 124 partners exited in 2024 more than the previous two years combined
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EY UK: 43 partner exits
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KPMG UK: Third consecutive year of partner count decline
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Deloitte UK: Net addition of just 6 new partners, down from 69 over the previous two years
What is the difference between a salaried partner and an equity partner?
A salaried partner receives a fixed annual salary, while an equity partner holds ownership in the firm and earns a share of the firm’s profits. Equity partners typically earn significantly more, but also share in the firm’s risks.
How much do partners at Big Four firms typically earn in the UK?
In 2025, EY UK partners earned an average of £723,000, while Deloitte UK equity partners earned around £1 million. These figures fluctuate based on firm performance and profit-sharing structures.
How much do partners earn at Deloitte US?
Deloitte Partner salaries in the US vary widely, but generally range from $350,000 to over $1.5 million per year, with the average being around $900,000.
Factors such as experience, performance, the specific role, and the partner’s equity in the firm influence their salary.
Why are the Big 4 in the UK promoting fewer partners?
Slower Revenue Growth: EY and Deloitte saw revenue growth drop to 3% and 2.4% respectively — down from double digits last year.
Falling Demand: Consulting and audit demand is cooling as clients tighten budgets.
Market Realignment: Leadership growth is being reined in as firms recalibrate for tougher times.
(As reported by Australian Financial Review and Business Insider)
