How To Fix FH211 - Cost element category &1 is not permitted with account category &2

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FH - General ledger module messages

• Message number: 211

• Message text: Cost element category &1 is not permitted with account category &2

What causes this issue?

The selected cost element category is not permitted.

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?

Select a suitable cost element category or change the account type for
the G/L account.

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 FH211 - Cost element category &1 is not permitted with account category &2 ?

  The SAP error message FH211 indicates that there is a mismatch between the cost element category and the account category being used in a transaction. This error typically arises when you are trying to post a transaction that involves a cost element that is not compatible with the account category defined in the system.
  Cause:
  
  Cost Element Category: Each cost element in SAP is assigned a category (e.g., primary cost element, secondary cost element, etc.). The cost element category determines how the cost element behaves in financial accounting and controlling.
  Account Category: The account category defines the type of account (e.g., asset, liability, expense, revenue) and its behavior in the financial statements.
  Incompatibility: The error occurs when the cost element category you are trying to use is not allowed with the specified account category. For example, you might be trying to use a primary cost element with an account category that only allows secondary cost elements.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Cost Element Configuration: Review the configuration of the cost element in transaction code KA03 (Display Cost Element). Ensure that the cost element is assigned the correct category that matches the intended use.
  Check Account Configuration: Review the account configuration in transaction code FS00 (G/L Account Master Record). Ensure that the account category is set up correctly and is compatible with the cost element category.
  Adjust Transaction: If the cost element or account is not set up correctly, you may need to adjust your transaction to use a different cost element or account that is compatible.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or your organization's SAP guidelines for specific rules regarding cost element and account category combinations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  KA03: Display Cost Element
  FS00: G/L Account Master Record
  
  
  Cost Element Categories: Common categories include:
  
  1: Primary Cost Elements
  2: Secondary Cost Elements
  
  
  Account Categories: Common categories include:
  
  A: Asset
  L: Liability
  E: Expense
  R: Revenue
  
  
  
  Additional Tips:
  
  If you are unsure about the correct configuration, consult with your SAP FI/CO consultant or your organization's finance team.
  Always test changes in a development or test environment before applying them to production to avoid unintended consequences.