The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes the eco-friendly management of natural resources. In addition, China has been actively engaged in numerous endeavors in which the leading cadres take the lead to safeguard the environment, particularly through initiatives focused on reducing carbon emissions. Consequently, an in-depth investigation into the impact of departure audits of leading cadres regarding natural resource assets on carbon balance holds significant theoretical and practical value for preserving, rehabilitating, and enhancing the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This study employs a multiperiod difference-in-differences model and finds that such audits significantly promote regional carbon balance. Mechanism analysis indicates that these audits can influence carbon balance by impacting green innovation and industrial structure, thereby curbing regional carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sinks. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the effect of these audits on enhancing regional carbon balance is more pronounced in the western regions, areas rich in carbon sink resources, and regions with stronger institutional environments. This study addresses the singular perspective of studies on the departure audit and provides new empirical evidence to better understand the mechanism.