Differences between Normal and Adjustment Posting Periods in S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition

[Elma41He]

Hi experts,

I would like to clarify the differences among the posting periods in the Manage Posting Period app.

While testing how to configure posting periods to reverse entries from 2025/06, I noticed some confusing results. For all cases, I used the same settings across all account types.

Configuration 1
Normal period: 006.2025–009.2025
Adjustment period: none
Result: Able to reverse entries for 2025/06

Configuration 2
Normal period: 008.2025–009.2025
Adjustment period: none
Result: Unable to reverse entries for 2025/06

Configuration 3
Normal period: 008.2025–009.2025
Adjustment period: 013.2000–016.2030
Result: Able to reverse entries for 2025/06, and able to post AR for 2025/06

As far as I know, the Adjustment period should not impact AR/AP postings. However, based on the above tests, it seems to have an effect. Could someone explain the difference between the Normal period and the Adjustment period in this context?

Also, I have one more question: if Account Type V (Contract Accounts) does not have an account range defined, what is the purpose or function of this account type?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Elma

[Chris1973]

Hello @Elma41He 

Let me guide through the difference between Normal and Adjustment Periods in Manage Posting Period app. The normal Period are the regular posting periods for accounting transactions within the fiscal year. For example, in your scenario, 006.2025–009.2025 means months June to September 2025 are open for normal postings, including reversals.

The Adjustment Period is a special posting period outside the normal fiscal months, primarily used for adjustment entries or closing activities for example periods 13–16. Even though adjustment periods are typically not intended for AR/AP postings, opening an adjustment period allows postings in those periods, which can override restrictions in the normal period range. This explains why with adjustment periods open (configuration 3), reversals and AR postings for 2025/06 become possible even if the normal period for 06 is closed.

Please note that adjustment periods also often allow you to control postings during closing phases without reopening or expanding normal monthly periods.

In regard to your question on the purpose of Account Type V (Contract Accounts) purpose or function, the following facts are important to note:

• Account Type V refers to Contract Accounts in SAP's Contract Accounting (FI-CA) module.
• Contract accounts aggregate multiple business partner-specific receivables under a single account structure for specialized industries, examples are utilities or telecom.
• They support mass processing of receivables, payments, dunning, and integration with sub-ledgers.
• Even if no specific account ranges are assigned, Account Type V's presence supports business partner-related processing and serves as a link between contractual customer data and financial postings.

Consult below references for more details.

Master Data in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, contract accounting and invoicing

SAP Fiori app reference for Manage Posting Periods:

I hope this provides the desired insights.

Best regards

Chris