How To Fix FH237 - G/L account subtype cannot be changed because transaction data exists

FH237 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FH - General ledger module messages

• Message number: 237

• Message text: G/L account subtype cannot be changed because transaction data exists

What causes this issue?

For an account with the G/L account type &V4&, you wish to change the
G/L account subtype from &V1& to &V2&, even though there are already
postings to G/L account &V3&.

System Response

It is not possible to change the G/L account subtype.

How to fix this error?

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

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

FH237 - Details

• The SAP error message FH237 indicates that you are trying to change the subtype of a General Ledger (G/L) account, but the system is preventing this action because transaction data already exists for that account. This is a common restriction in SAP to maintain data integrity and consistency.
  
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the G/L account you are attempting to modify has already been used in transactions. When a G/L account has posted transactions, changing its subtype could lead to inconsistencies in financial reporting and data integrity.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you have a few options:
  
  
  Check for Existing Transactions: 
  
  Review the G/L account to see if there are any existing transactions. You can use transaction codes like FS10N (G/L Account Balance Display) or FBL3N (G/L Account Line Item Display) to check for postings.
  
  
  
  Create a New G/L Account:
  
  If you need to change the subtype, consider creating a new G/L account