This study examined the moderating effect of profitability on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and accounting conservatism among listed non-financial service companies in Nigeria. The research employed a quantitative approach using correlational and longitudinal designs, covering 94 firms over the period 2015–2024. Secondary data were extracted from annual reports, while panel regression techniques—fixed and random effects models—were utilized for estimation. Accounting conservatism was measured using accrual-based indicators, with profitability captured through return-based metrics. The results revealed that board independence, board size, board gender diversity, and board diligence exerted significant effects on accounting conservatism, although the direction varied across indicators. Managerial ownership showed a weak and insignificant influence, suggesting limited monitoring power in the Nigerian context. Profitability significantly moderated the relationships between board size, gender diversity, diligence, and accounting conservatism, indicating that firms with higher profitability either strengthened or weakened conservative reporting depending on governance structure. However, profitability did not significantly moderate the relationship between managerial ownership and conservatism. The study concludes that profitability plays an important contingent role in shaping the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in promoting conservative reporting. Based on these findings, it recommends that regulators strengthen enforcement of governance codes, particularly on board composition and diligence, to ensure credible financial reporting.

Keywords: Accounting Conservatism, Corporate Governance, Board Independence, Profitability, Non-Financial Services, Panel Regression.