How To Fix EP009 - The initial character of an account symbol must be '*' or '&'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: EP - Messages for Posting Area

• Message number: 009

• Message text: The initial character of an account symbol must be '*' or '&'

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.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message EP009 - The initial character of an account symbol must be '*' or '&' ?

  The SAP error message EP009 indicates that there is an issue with the account symbol being used in a transaction or configuration. Specifically, the error states that the initial character of an account symbol must be either '*' or '&'. This is typically related to the configuration of account symbols in the SAP system, which are used in various financial and controlling applications.
  Cause:
  
  Incorrect Account Symbol Format: The account symbol you are trying to use does not start with the required characters ('*' or '&'). This could happen if the account symbol was manually entered or imported incorrectly.
  Configuration Issues: There may be a configuration issue in the system where the account symbols are defined, leading to the acceptance of invalid formats.
  Data Entry Error: A user may have mistakenly entered an account symbol that does not conform to the required format.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the Account Symbol: Verify the account symbol you are using. Ensure that it starts with either '*' or '&'. If it does not, correct it to meet the requirement.
  Review Configuration: If you are an administrator, check the configuration settings for account symbols in the SAP system. Ensure that the rules for account symbols are correctly defined.
  Use Valid Symbols: If you are unsure about the valid account symbols, consult your SAP documentation or your financial team to get a list of acceptable account symbols.
  Data Validation: Implement data validation checks in your processes to prevent the entry of invalid account symbols in the future.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal or specific documentation related to Financial Accounting (FI) or Controlling (CO) for more details on account symbols and their usage.
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes like OBY6 (for defining account symbols) or OBA7 (for account symbol assignment) to review or modify the account symbols in your system.
  User Training: Ensure that users who enter account symbols are trained on the correct formats and the importance of adhering to these standards to avoid similar errors in the future.
  
  If the issue persists after checking the above points, consider reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.