How To Fix ACCR004 - The selected accrual/deferral period starts in the past

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ACCR - Accruals/Deferrals

• Message number: 004

• Message text: The selected accrual/deferral period starts in the past

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ACCR004 - The selected accrual/deferral period starts in the past ?

  The SAP error message ACCR004 indicates that the selected accrual or deferral period you are trying to process starts in the past. This typically occurs when you attempt to post an accrual or deferral entry for a period that has already closed or is not open for posting.
  Cause:
  
  Closed Period: The period you are trying to post to has already been closed in the system.
  Incorrect Date Selection: The date you selected for the accrual or deferral is earlier than the current date or the opening date of the period.
  Configuration Settings: The system settings may restrict posting to certain periods based on company policies or configurations.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Period Status: Verify the status of the period you are trying to post to. You can do this by checking the period control settings in the SAP system.
  
  Navigate to Transaction Code OB52 to view and manage the posting periods.
  Ensure that the period you are trying to post to is open for posting.
  
  
  
  Adjust Posting Date: If the period is closed, you may need to adjust the posting date to a future period that is open for posting.
  
  
  Reopen Period: If necessary and if your company policy allows it, you can reopen the closed period to allow for the posting. This can be done in the same transaction (OB52) by adjusting the period settings.
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of reopening a period or changing the posting date, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with accounting standards and practices.
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction: Ensure that you are using the correct transaction for posting accruals or deferrals. Sometimes, using the wrong transaction can lead to errors.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  OB52: For managing posting periods.
  FBS1: For posting manual accruals.
  FBS2: For reversing manual accruals.
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files for detailed information on accruals and deferrals, as well as period management.
  
  
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to post to the desired periods. Sometimes, user roles may restrict access to certain periods.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ACCR004 error and successfully post your accrual or deferral entries.