How To Fix EK408 - A cost element exists for G/L account &1. CO account assignment required

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EK - IS-U Accounts Receivable and Payable

• Message number: 408

• Message text: A cost element exists for G/L account &1. CO account assignment required

What causes this issue?

The specified G/L account is a cost component, but you did not enter an
auxiliary account assignment (cost center, etc.).
When a posting is made to this account, an appropriate auxiliary
account assignment is required, and must come from te respective
<DS:GLOS.contract>contract</> kommen.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Make sure that the involved contracts have an appropriate auxiliary
account assignment or enter a default value here.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EK408 - A cost element exists for G/L account &1. CO account assignment required ?

  The SAP error message EK408 indicates that there is a cost element associated with a General Ledger (G/L) account, and that a cost object (such as a cost center, internal order, or project) must be assigned to the transaction. This error typically occurs when you are trying to post a transaction that requires a cost assignment, but the necessary cost object is not provided.
  Cause:
  
  Cost Element Configuration: The G/L account you are trying to use is configured as a cost element in the Controlling (CO) module. This means that any postings to this account must have a corresponding cost assignment.
  Missing Cost Assignment: The transaction you are attempting to post does not include a cost assignment (e.g., cost center, internal order, etc.), which is required for accounts that are linked to cost elements.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the EK408 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the G/L Account:
  
  Go to the G/L account in the SAP system (transaction code FS00).
  Verify if the account is set up as a cost element. If it is, you will need to provide a cost assignment when posting.
  
  
  
  Provide Cost Assignment:
  
  When entering the transaction (e.g., in a purchase order, invoice, or journal entry), ensure that you include a valid cost assignment.
  For example, if you are posting to a cost element, make sure to specify a cost center or internal order in the relevant field.
  
  
  
  Review Transaction Type:
  
  Ensure that the transaction type you are using is appropriate for the G/L account. Some transaction types may require cost assignments while others may not.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance/Controlling Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the correct cost assignment or if the G/L account should be used as a cost element, consult with your finance or controlling team for guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Cost Elements: In SAP, cost elements are used to categorize costs in the Controlling module. They can be primary (directly linked to G/L accounts) or secondary (used for internal allocations).
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as:
  
  FS00: G/L Account Master Data
  KSB1: Display Actual Line Items for Cost Centers
  KO03: Display Internal Order
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help resources for more information on cost elements and G/L account configurations.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the EK408 error and successfully post your transaction.