Advances in Economics & Financial Studies
Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): June - September

Debt-to-Equity Ratio, Return on Assets, and Firm Size on Earnings Management Through Managerial Ownership

Tassha Eddryawati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia)
Heni Safitri (Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia)
Dedi Hariyanto (Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak, Pontianak, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Aug 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the relationships of Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Assets (ROA), and Firm Size with Earnings Management and assesses the moderating role of Managerial Ownership in Indonesian energy companies. Research Method: A quantitative design was applied to audited annual report data from 54 energy-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2023–2024, yielding 108 firm-year observations selected through purposive sampling. Earnings Management was represented by signed discretionary accruals estimated using the complete Modified Jones procedure. Direct and interaction regression models were employed. Results and Discussion: Only DER was positively associated with Earnings Management, whereas ROA and Firm Size were not significant. Managerial Ownership did not moderate any of the examined relationships. Neither model was statistically significant overall, and their adjusted explanatory power was very low. Thus, debt provided limited coefficient-level evidence but did not establish a comprehensive explanation of Earnings Management. Implications: Managers should maintain prudent debt structures and strengthen reporting controls. Investors and creditors should assess accrual quality and broader governance mechanisms rather than relying solely on managerial ownership. Originality: This study evaluates Managerial Ownership as a conditional governance mechanism within Indonesia’s capital-intensive energy sector.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

AEFS

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Founded in 2023, Advances in Economics & Financial Studies publishes original research that promises to advance our understanding of Economics & Financial Studies over diverse topics and research methods. This Journal welcomes research of significance across a wide range of primary and applied ...