How To Fix FI197 - It is not possible to delete period-end closing and payments on account

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FI - TR-FM Funds Management

• Message number: 197

• Message text: It is not possible to delete period-end closing and payments on account

What causes this issue?

You have selected payments without invoice references to be deleted on
return. You have also activated period-end closing. You cannot combine
these two settings because a reconciliation of payments cannot be
secured by the system through the deletion of data.

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?

If you want to activate period-end closing, you should not select
<LS>Delete documents on return</>.

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 FI197 - It is not possible to delete period-end closing and payments on account ?

  The SAP error message FI197, which states "It is not possible to delete period-end closing and payments on account," typically occurs in the Financial Accounting (FI) module when there are attempts to delete or reverse transactions that are part of a period-end closing process or involve payments on account.
  Cause:
  
  Period-End Closing: The error often arises when there are entries that have already been processed in a period-end closing. Once the period is closed, certain transactions cannot be modified or deleted to maintain the integrity of financial reporting.
  Payments on Account: If there are payments on account that have been posted, they may also be locked for deletion to ensure that financial records remain accurate.
  Document Status: The document may be in a status that does not allow for deletion, such as being part of a subsequent transaction or having been referenced in other accounting entries.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Period Status: Verify if the period in question is still open. If it is closed, you may need to reopen the period (if your business processes allow for this) or make necessary adjustments in the next open period.
  Review Related Transactions: Check if there are any subsequent transactions that depend on the document you are trying to delete. If so, you may need to reverse or adjust those transactions first.
  Use Transaction Codes: Utilize transaction codes like FB08 (to reverse documents) or F.13 (to clear open items) carefully, ensuring that you are following the correct procedures for your organization.
  Consult with Finance Team: If you are unsure about the implications of deleting or reversing a transaction, consult with your finance team or SAP support to ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal policies.
  Error Logs: Check the error logs for more detailed information about the specific transactions that are causing the issue. This can provide insights into what needs to be addressed.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional context or solutions for this specific error message.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to period-end closing processes and payment handling to understand the implications of modifying or deleting transactions.
  Training: Ensure that users involved in financial transactions are trained on the implications of period-end closing and the handling of payments on account to prevent similar issues in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the FI197 error effectively.