The Relationship between Real Earnings Management and Accrual Earnings Management in Companies Suspected of Fraud Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange

Most of earnings management researches in Iran focus on abnormal accruals. Whereas accruals and real activities result in earnings management, which are complementary (Sanjaya and Saragih, 2012). According to various studies, accruals eventually lead to fraud (Jones et al, 2008). So far no research studied the relationship between accrual earnings management and real earnings management in companies suspected to fraud. So, in this study, the relationship between accrual earnings management and real Earnings management in companies suspected to fraud are discussed. In this analysis, panel data is used. For hypothesis testing, the data of 107 listed companies on Tehran Stock Exchange, which are suspected to fraud, for the period of 1392- 1387 (Solar Calendar), has been used. Results of the analysis indicate that real earnings management on accrual earnings management in companies suspected to fraud, at 95 percent confidence level, have negative and significant correlation. As a result, researchers, standard settings and auditors should pay attention to both real earnings management and accrual earnings management in fraud suspected companies. Audit quality should also be strengthened in the Iranian suspected of fraud listed companies