How To Fix PM161 - Enter a clearing acct; &1 already exists as a target account

PM161 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PM - Extended Payment Functions

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Enter a clearing acct; &1 already exists as a target account

What causes this issue?

You have not yet made an entry in all required entry fields. If a G/L
account was entered, the corresponding clearing account must be
specified if a target account for the specified company code and
currency to be determined already exists.
A G/L account without a corresponding clearing account is regarded as a
target account.

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?

Specify a clearing account.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PM161 - Enter a clearing acct; &1 already exists as a target account ?

  The SAP error message PM161, which states "Enter a clearing account; &1 already exists as a target account," typically occurs in the context of asset accounting or financial transactions where a clearing account is required but has not been properly specified or is conflicting with existing entries.
  
  Cause:
  
  Missing Clearing Account: The system expects a clearing account to be specified for the transaction, but it has not been provided.
  Duplicate Target Account: The target account specified in the transaction already exists in the system, leading to a conflict.
  
  Configuration Issues: There may be issues with the configuration of the account determination settings in the system, particularly in the Asset Accounting (FI-AA) module.
  Incorrect Account Assignment: The account assignment in the transaction may not align with the expected account types or categories.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Specify a Clearing Account: Ensure that you enter a valid clearing account in the transaction. This account should be configured in the system to handle