Study on the Relation between Gender Characteristics of CFO and Earnings Management

Abstract

Based on panel data of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2017, according to the "Upper echelons theory", the relation between gender characteristics of CFO and earnings management was empirically tested with ordinary least squares(OLS) regression model. The study proves that:(1)CFO gender has a significant impact on earnings management. Compared with the company with male CFO, the company with female CFO has a lower overall level of earnings management. (2)The higher the education level of female CFO, the stronger the negative correlation with earnings management degree. This paper provides a new perspective for the study of the influencing factors between CFO gender and earnings management, and also broadens the angle for the research of company earnings management, which has certain significance for the appointment of senior executives of listed companies and the promotion of the healthy development of China’s capital market.