The higher authorities of accounting firms are financial departments at all levels, and the Ministry of Finance and the financial departments of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government (hereinafter referred to as provincial financial departments) manage, supervise and guide accounting firms and certified public accountants.

An accounting firm refers to an intermediary service institution that independently undertakes the business of certified public accountants according to law. It is an organization composed of accountants who have a certain accounting professional level and obtained certificates after examination, and is entrusted by the parties to undertake business related to auditing, accounting, consulting and taxation.