This study examines the impact of the cognitive distance generated from educational disparity between a company’s chief executive officer (CEO) and its auditors on the quantity and risk disclosure of key audit matters (KAMs), as well as audit pricing. Using a sample of publicly listed companies in China from 2017 to 2023, we find that a CEO’s higher relative standing in the educational gap leads to a larger quantity of KAM disclosures and causes auditors to reduce risk-related KAM textual expressions. Additionally, due to heightened cognitive complexity and perceived risk, the relatively higher educational level of the CEO in the disparity results in higher audit fees. However, when the CEO possesses relevant professional expertise, the effect of the educational distance on audit fees is reduced. These findings highlight the role of cognitive alignment in shaping audit practices and provide new insights into how educational differences influence audit outcomes, especially in emerging markets like China.