Abstract: Taking China’s listed companies in Shenzhen and Shanghai A-share markets from 2004 to 2015 as samples, this paper examines the impact of the“intentional”rotation management of the signed CPAs on the audit quality and the adjustment effect of the transfer of accounting firms on the two. The findings show that the“hostile”rotation management of the signed CPAs not only reduces the audit quality of the transitional signed CPAs, but also reduces the audit quality of the signed CPAs in the previous year and the year of back to the office. Further research finds out that during the process of“intentional”rotation management, the transfer of the accounting firms has significantly improved the relationship between the signed CPAs and the audit quality. The conclusions of the study can provide experience support and valuable reference for the government to improve the system of signed CPA rotation and to strengthen the auditing supervision of signed CPAs.

Key words: signed CPA; rotation management; audit quality; transfer of accounting firms