How To Fix GJ472 - Shadow Account and Balance Sheet Account Must Be Different.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: GJ - Joint Venture Accounting

• Message number: 472

• Message text: Shadow Account and Balance Sheet Account Must Be Different.

What causes this issue?

For manual accruals and exchange differences, the shadow account number
and the balance sheet account (offset account) MUST be different.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message GJ472 - Shadow Account and Balance Sheet Account Must Be Different. ?

  The SAP error message GJ472, which states "Shadow Account and Balance Sheet Account Must Be Different," typically occurs in the context of configuring shadow accounts in the SAP system, particularly in the area of financial accounting and controlling.
  Cause:
  This error arises when there is an attempt to assign the same account for both the shadow account and the balance sheet account in the configuration settings. In SAP, shadow accounts are used to track certain transactions separately from the main balance sheet accounts, and they must be distinct to ensure proper financial reporting and data integrity.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the shadow account and the balance sheet account are different. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Identify the Configuration: Go to the configuration settings where the shadow account is defined. This is typically found in the Financial Accounting (FI) or Controlling (CO) module.
  
  
  Check Account Assignments: Look for the specific configuration where the shadow account is assigned. This could be in the settings for a specific company code or controlling area.
  
  
  Change the Account: If you find that the shadow account is set to the same account as the balance sheet account, change it to a different account. Ensure that the new shadow account is valid and properly configured in the system.
  
  
  Save Changes: After making the necessary changes, save the configuration.
  
  
  Test the Configuration: After saving, perform a test transaction to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help files related to shadow accounts and balance sheet accounts for more detailed information on their configuration and usage.
  Transaction Codes: You may need to use transaction codes such as OBY6 (for defining shadow accounts) or FS00 (for managing G/L accounts) to access the relevant settings.
  Consulting SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or additional guidance related to this error message.
  User Roles and Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to account configurations in SAP.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or a consultant who specializes in SAP Financial Accounting.