How To Fix ME038 - No direct postings can be made to G/L acct. & in CoCode &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ME - Purchasing: General Messages

• Message number: 038

• Message text: No direct postings can be made to G/L acct. & in CoCode &

What causes this issue?

The <GL:G/L_account>G/L account</> you entered is a control account.
Transactions cannot be posted direct to a control account.

How to fix this error?

INCLUDE EINGABE_PRUEFEN_NA LANGUAGE EN
INCLUDE NA_SKTO_PFLEGEN LANGUAGE EN

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ME038 - No direct postings can be made to G/L acct. & in CoCode & ?

  The SAP error message ME038, which states "No direct postings can be made to G/L acct. & in CoCode &," typically occurs when you attempt to post a transaction directly to a General Ledger (G/L) account that is not configured to allow direct postings. This is a common issue in SAP systems, particularly in the context of purchasing and inventory management.
  Cause:
  
  Account Configuration: The G/L account in question is set up in such a way that it does not allow direct postings. This is often the case for accounts that are meant to be used only through specific transactions (like purchase orders or invoices).
  Account Type: The G/L account may be configured as a balance sheet account or a specific type of account that restricts direct postings.
  Company Code Settings: The settings for the company code may restrict direct postings to certain accounts.
  Posting Period: The posting period may be closed, preventing any postings to that account.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check G/L Account Configuration:
  
  Go to the G/L account master data (transaction code FS00).
  Check the settings for the account in question. Look for the "Posting" tab and ensure that the "Allow direct postings" option is enabled.
  
  
  
  Use Appropriate Transaction:
  
  Instead of trying to post directly to the G/L account, use the appropriate transaction that is designed to handle postings to that account (e.g., using a purchase order or invoice).
  
  
  
  Review Company Code Settings:
  
  Check the company code settings to ensure that there are no restrictions on posting to the G/L account.
  
  
  
  Check Posting Period:
  
  Ensure that the posting period is open. You can check this in the transaction code OB52, where you can see the open and closed periods for each company code.
  
  
  
  Consult with Finance Team:
  
  If you are unsure about the configuration or the appropriate way to post, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with accounting policies.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Transaction Codes:
  
  FS00: G/L Account Master Data
  OB52: Open and Close Posting Periods
  ME21N: Create Purchase Order
  MIRO: Invoice Verification
  
  
  
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for detailed information on G/L account settings and posting rules.
  
  
  User Roles: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to post to the G/L account in question.
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ME038 error and successfully post your transactions in SAP.