How To Fix 5R216 - Record already accounted for &1. Record cannot be deleted

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5R - HR-SG: Messages for HR Module SG, China, Hongkong and Taiwan

• Message number: 216

• Message text: Record already accounted for &1. Record cannot be deleted

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5R216 - Record already accounted for &1. Record cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message 5R216: "Record already accounted for &1. Record cannot be deleted" typically occurs in the context of financial transactions, particularly when trying to delete or modify a record that has already been processed or posted in the system. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Record Already Posted: The record you are trying to delete has already been posted to the general ledger or has been accounted for in some way. This means that the system has already processed the financial implications of this record.
  Dependencies: There may be dependencies on this record from other transactions or processes, making it impossible to delete without affecting those linked records.
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that does not allow for deletion, such as being part of a closed period or having been included in a financial report.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Document Status: Verify the status of the document you are trying to delete. If it has been posted, you may need to reverse the transaction instead of deleting it.
  Reversal Transaction: If the record is indeed posted, consider using the reversal transaction (e.g., using transaction codes like FB08 for reversing a document) to negate the effects of the original entry.
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of deleting or reversing a record, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.
  Check for Dependencies: Investigate if there are any dependent documents or transactions that rely on the record you are trying to delete. You may need to address those dependencies first.
  Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to delete or reverse the record. Sometimes, restrictions are in place based on user roles.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB03 (Display Document), FB08 (Reverse Document), and FBRA (Reset Cleared Items) to manage financial documents effectively.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its software, and there may be known issues or fixes available.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or user manuals related to financial accounting processes to understand the implications of deleting or reversing records.
  
  Conclusion:
  The error message 5R216 indicates that the record you are trying to delete has already been accounted for, and you will need to take appropriate actions such as reversing the transaction or consulting with your finance team. Always ensure that you understand the implications of any changes you make in the financial system to maintain data integrity and compliance.