This study investigates the role of auditor industry specialization (measured by client sales ratio) in mitigating earnings management (measured by discretionary accruals) both before and after regulation no. 17PMK.01/2008 concerning public accountant service issued by Ministry of Financial in Indonesia. The sample is drawn from manufacturing companies which listed in BEI for periods 2006-2009 with a high leverage and size characteristic. This study find evidence that auditor industry specialization have a role in mitigating accrual earnings management better than non industry specialization and auditor industry specialization also have a role in mitigating accrual earnings management at companies with a high leverage and size both before and after this regulation issued..

Keyword: auditor industry specialization, accrual earnings management, regulation no. 17/PMK.01.2008 concerning public accountant service