How To Fix AU156 - Year is before the last closed fiscal year

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: AU - FI-AA utility program error messages

• Message number: 156

• Message text: Year is before the last closed fiscal year

What causes this issue?

The fiscal year entered is before the last closed fiscal year &v2& of
company code &v1&. Insurable values are calculated for a number of
years.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message AU156 - Year is before the last closed fiscal year ?

  The SAP error message AU156 ("Year is before the last closed fiscal year") typically occurs when you attempt to post a transaction in a fiscal year that is earlier than the last closed fiscal year in the system. This is a common issue in financial accounting and controlling modules when the system is configured to prevent postings to prior periods to maintain data integrity.
  Cause:
  
  Closed Fiscal Year: The fiscal year you are trying to post to has been closed in the system, meaning that no further postings are allowed for that year.
  Configuration Settings: The system settings may be configured to restrict postings to periods that are not open, which includes any year prior to the last closed fiscal year.
  Posting Date: The posting date of the transaction is set to a year that is earlier than the last closed fiscal year.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Fiscal Year Status: Verify the status of the fiscal years in your system. You can do this by navigating to the transaction code OB52 (Change View "Periods": Overview) to see which periods are open for posting.
  Adjust Posting Date: If the posting date is incorrect, change it to a valid open period or fiscal year.
  Open the Fiscal Year: If you need to post to a closed fiscal year for any reason (e.g., adjustments, corrections), you may need to temporarily open that fiscal year. This can be done in transaction code OB52 by adjusting the period settings. However, this should be done with caution and typically requires proper authorization and justification.
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of opening a closed fiscal year, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with accounting policies.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  OB52: To manage open and closed periods.
  FB50: To post general ledger entries.
  F-02: To post accounting documents.
  
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional context or solutions for specific scenarios related to this error.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation regarding fiscal year closing procedures and posting periods to understand the implications of your actions.
  
  Best Practices:
  
  Always ensure that you are aware of the implications of posting to prior periods.
  Maintain clear communication with your finance team regarding any adjustments that may affect financial reporting.
  Regularly review and reconcile your financial postings to avoid issues with closed periods.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the AU156 error and ensure that your postings are compliant with your organization's fiscal policies.