This article provides the conceptual framework for earnings management, which begins by presenting the concept of earnings management, then the actions, motives, techniques, measurement, and then the consequences of this practice. This article also presented studies that dealt with earnings management in the Saudi context. This is because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed a clear development in companies and changes in accounting systems which in turn provides an opportunity for more research on earnings management in Saudi Arabia. Several studies provide evidence that EM occurs in Saudi companies, and there are many motivations to practice earnings management in Saudi companies.