Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
Teach on Udemy
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn MoreSAP Central Finance Frequently Asked Questions
Rating: 4.7 out of 54.7(13 ratings)
83 students
SAP Central Finance Frequently Asked Questions
The most frequently asked question in SAP Central Finance are answered in detail.
Created byAlfonzo Vega
Last updated 7/2025
English
What you'll learn
- Know important details about functionality in Central Finance
- With details about constraints, plan your Central FInance project better
- Central Finance Standard SAP content to conduct project workshops
- Best practices and recommended enhancements
Explore related topics
Course content
10 sections • 93 lectures • 1h 40m total length
- Introduction0:39
This the link to the PDF on Central Reporting Considerations, you may need an SAP Universal ID and password
- Current Version0:16
Explore the current SAP note version 198 dated February 15, 2024, and compare it with version 179 from February 14, 2024, noting only minor differences in questions 5 and 80.
- Version 2110:25
- Version 2221:08
- Free temporary access (if you want to explore more before buying)0:10
- Question 1: What is Central Finance?0:57
Learn how Central Finance replicates financial transactions from multiple sources into a single SAP S/4HANA instance, enabling consolidated reporting, central processing, and minimal changes to existing systems.
- Question 2: Is there a separate license for Central Finance?0:24
- Question 3: Where can I get further information?1:45
- Question 4: What do I need to install?0:33
Identify what to install for SAP Central Finance; no installation is needed with S/4HANA, but ECC notes are required to support data transfer to the central system, starting with two.
- Question 5: What system releases are supported?0:37
- Question 6: Does Central Finance replicate into FI-AP and FI-AR?0:47
Analyze whether central finance replicates accounts payable and accounts receivable in S/4 HANA, noting the 1709 option to pay and clear, plus central processing guide, tax reporting, and central reporting.
- Question 7: Does Central Finance replicate into FI-AA (Asset Accounting)?0:56
Explain how central finance handles fi-aa asset accounting, noting asset details from the source system do not replicate and line items post to a general ledger reconciliation account.
- Question 8: Is a change to a document (e.g. via transaction FB02) in ECC (...)?1:15
- Question 9: What tool should be used for handlings errors?0:48
Use the application interface framework (AIF) to handle diagnostics and errors, and research specific issues via support.sap.com, note 3194497, and the Central Finance error resolution process.
- Question 10: What kind of cost objects can get replicated with the (...)?1:36
- Question 11: Are changes to cost objects replicated?0:31
- Question 12: Are settlement rules assigned to cost objects replicated?0:09
State that settlement rules linked to cost objects do not replicate across systems in SAP Central Finance.
- Question 13: Does Central Finance also replicate logistics document (...)?0:37
Explore how central finance replicates a subset of logistics data into AVL tables, including purchase orders, suppliers, invoices, sales orders, and customer invoices, with an accounting view of logistics.
- Question 14: Are sales orders replicated if they are also cost objects?0:59
Sales orders are not replicated; map them to an internal order to assign an ECC sales order as a cost object. Implement custom code in the central finance BADI.
- Question 15: Are EC-PCA internal postings replicated to Central Finance (...)?0:54
Learn how EC-PCA internal postings replicate to Central Finance starting with S4/HANA 1701 feature pack 01, including initial load, simulation, replication, and reconciliation reports.
- Question 16: Are Special Ledger postings replicated to Central Finance?0:10
Learn that special ledger postings are not replicated to SAP Central Finance, clarifying replication rules and helping users understand data flow within the system.
- Question 17: In the source system I use costing-based CO-PA only. Are (...)?2:02
- Question 18: Which CO postings (CO transaction types) are supported?0:25
- Question 19: Can I use Central Finance if the source systems are on Classic GL?0:11
Explore how SAP Central Finance works with source systems on classic GL or new GL.
- Question 20: Can I switch on document splitting in the Central Finance (...)?3:50
Explore enabling document splitting in Central Finance when the source system lacks splitting, including transferring the splitting configuration via customization activity and addressing validation checks and profit center characteristic issues.
- Question 21: What SLT replication scenario do I need to use if my source (...)?0:27
- Question 22: The new tables CFIN_* are not filled in the source system when(...)0:33
- Question 23: In my proof-of-concept, I only want to test how newly posted (...)?0:38
- Question 24: What is the difference between key mapping, value mapping, (...)?0:48
- Question 25: Why are some values overwritten although I have mapped them?0:55
- Question 26: How does the Initial Load (FI) handle open items (AP/AR) that(...)?1:23
Describe the load handling of open items in balance-only periods, using a substitution account to offset to zero, with later postings to AP and reconciliation accounts; note document splitting limitations.
- Question 27: How does Central Finance deal with documents that reference (...)?1:28
- Question 28: How can I transfer documents that have a special G/L indicator(...)0:38
Configure a special G/L transaction type 'others' and map incoming W to it to transfer such documents; down payments are out of scope, implement SAP notes 2288901, 2566959, and 2533249.
- Question 29: Is master data needed in Central Finance?1:00
Master data is required in central finance; FI/CO master data and configuration apply to replicated documents, while data profiling and the GL account harmonization guide map cost elements.
- Question 30: If the source system is on NewGL, what gets replicated - the (...)?0:18
- Question 31: With the current scope of Central Finance, can I run the "Adv.(..)?1:54
Explore how central finance handles tax reporting with advanced return for tax on sales/purchases, including scope considerations for pre-1709 and 1709+ versions, tax engine limits, and admin guide prerequisites.
- Question 32: Is the functional area (FKBER) rederived when reposting into (...)?0:22
Discover how FKBER is not automatically re-derived when reposting into Central Finance and how to map or re-derive it using a BADI implementation.
- Question 33: Can a Central Finance system also be used to run business pro(...)?0:40
Operate central finance as a complete S/4HANA system with logistics modules (MM, SD, PP) to replicate financial postings from source systems and run native company code processes in one client.
- Question 34: How can I improve performance and throughput?1:18
Learn how buffering financial number ranges, including parallel buffering with pseudo ascending document numbers (the Italian solution), boosts throughput in central finance, with notes 840901, 1398444, and 2376829 guiding choices.
- Question 35: Does Central Finance support source system side post-late FI (...)?0:35
- Question 36: Does Central Finance support industry specific functionalities?0:46
Explain how Central Finance supports industry independent functionalities using components like GL, CO-OM, A/P, A/R, and replication scenarios, while noting data not replicated may limit functionality.
- Question 37: How does Central Finance deal with foreign currency revaluations?1:58
- Question 38: Does Central Finance support consolidation of Company Codes (n:1)?1:02
Assess how finance supports n to 1 company code mappings; consolidation isn’t out-of-the-box, requiring custom merges, testing cross postings, payment with down payment integration to logistics, and SAP incident restrictions.
- Question 38A: Does Central Finance support the split of company codes (1:n)?2:43
Avoid 1 to N mappings of company codes in Central Finance, as they require custom logic and cause replication and reconciliation issues; use group reporting for consolidation and planning.
- Question 39: Is it possible to change key or value mappings after an (...)?1:45
Do not change key or value mappings after the initial load and replication starts, especially for customers, vendors, G/L accounts, or company codes, to avoid unbalanced clearings and data inconsistencies.
- Question 40: After implementing a SAP note or upgrading the Central Finance(...)1:21
Deactivate SLT configurations before applying SAP notes or upgrades that alter central finance structures; if short dumps occur, delete load/repl objects in LTRC and reactivate SLT.
- Question 41 Does the Balance Load support deviating fiscal year variants (...)?1:21
- Question 42: Use of external tax calculation system0:55
Use the same external tax engine for source and central finance on S/4HANA; one engine certified for central finance, for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico (SAP note 1497956).
- Question 42A: Which external tax systems are certified for Central Finance?0:47
- Question 43: Does Central Finance support the replication of price diff. (...)?1:12
Learn how Central Finance enables price difference splitting in product costing with real-time cost estimates, since S/4HANA 1809, including material cost estimates, activity types and rates, and COGS splitting.
- Question 44: How does the Initial Load (FI) handle open item managed acc.(...)?0:48
Explain how the FI initial load handles open item managed GL accounts during balance-only periods, including SAP notes 2396399 and 2397166, mapping to a substitution account, with no tax data.
- Question 45: How do I need to set up document summarization settings?1:22
Configure central finance document summarization to match source systems, using OBCY and OBCYX by reference procedure, and route item fields to ACDOCA rather than BSEG.
- Question 46: Can I map migration clearing and substitution accounts?0:39
- Question 47: Are withholding taxes supported in Central Finance?2:29
Learn how withholding taxes are supported in Central Finance, including version 1809 fps0 and 1709 via SAP notes 2623514, detailing scope, limitations, and migration to extended withholding tax.
- Question 48: Does Central Finance replicate documents from (...) FI-CA?0:31
- Question 49: How is master data validated in Central Finance and how can (...)?1:31
- Question 50: Does Central Finance support the migration of a GL account to (...)0:49
Assess whether central finance supports migrating a gl account to an open item gl using fagl_activate_op or fins_activate_oim, noting correction postings cannot transfer and outlining harmonization topics including cost elements.
- Question 51: What should be considered regarding G/L Accounts Mapping?4:36
Map and harmonize G/L accounts for central finance by ensuring source ECC accounts align with central targets, covering balance sheet, P&L, open item, and currency settings.
- Question 52: Does the Initial Load support the transfer of COGS Split Info(...)?0:14
Clarify that the initial load does not support transferring COGS split information; COGS split data is only supported via online replication.
- Question 53: Is it allowed to configure more FI-integrated currencies (...)?1:26
Discover how Central Finance manages multiple currencies, why FI-integrated currencies are not supported, and how to enable second or third currencies with line-item clearing in S/4HANA 2023.
- Question 54: What needs to be considered in case of the connection of (cloud) ..3:10
- Question 55: What do I have to take into account if the Central Finance (...)?1:21
Upgrade central finance or source systems with SAP note 2713590 as your guide for updates and manual activities. Verify LT replication server content and AIF interfaces for the new release.
- Question 56: What should be considered regarding Trading Partner derivation?8:04
Assess trading partner derivation by aligning source system settings with central finance, referencing SAP note 2672390, and understanding inheritance across postings from logistics, MIRO, SD billing.
- Question 57: Does the Initial load of balances using classic GL support (...)?0:16
Explore how the initial load of balances using classic GL supports only transaction currency and company code currency, not hard currencies.
- Question 58 Can I switch on document splitting in the Central Finance (...)?0:37
Determine if you can switch on document splitting in the central finance system; the initial load with S/4 HANA 1809 requires custom development and SAP notes 2793140 and 2764175.
- Question 59: What do I need to take into account regarding the activation (...)?0:34
- Question 60: Important: How can I prevent serialization issues when SLT is(...)?1:03
- Question 61. Does Central Finance support the replication of source system (..)?0:29
- Question 61A. Is it recommended to replicate journal entries from the CFIN(...)?1:32
Do not replicate central finance journal entries to other SAP systems; prefer replication from a source system via SLT, and avoid ERP‑specific IDocs with S/4HANA finance; see SAP note 2313879.
- Question 62. Which Fiori Apps are supported in Central Finance?0:37
- Question 63. How does the initial load handle cleared documents? (...)0:51
- Question 64. What fields for each logistics object are supported in the Ac(...)?0:50
Explore which fields for each logistics object are supported in the accounting view across SAP S/4HANA releases, guided by SAP notes 2865137, 2865139, and 3220450 with Excel field lists.
- Question 65. How does Central Finance deal with CO-FI postings and clearings?1:22
Central Finance replicates CO postings as CO-FI documents only if the G/L reconciliation flag is not set; during load, CO-FI items remain uncleared, and clearings fail without source document references.
- Question 66: How can I automate tasks and reduce manual effort?0:32
Automate tasks and reduce manual effort using intelligent robotic automation, highlighting SAP best practices for SAP Intelligent Robotic Process Automation integration with SAP S/4HANA, including the central finance mapping bot.
- Question 67: Does Central Finance transfer multiple valuation approaches (...)?1:46
Explore how central finance transfers multiple valuation approaches across currency types to the universal journal. Learn how transfer pricing and currency type 32 influence ACDOCA persistence and the initial load.
- Question 68: I use the SAP Real Estate solution in my source system. Can I(...)?0:31
- Question 69: Is Joint Venture Accounting integrated with Central Finance?0:35
The lecture outlines restrictions on joint venture accounting with central finance and states that network object is not supported, with SAP notes 3025738 and 2941357 before S/4HANA op 2020 SP02.
- Question 70: Why are ledger-specific open items not visible after the (...)?0:29
- Question 71: Are withholding tax adjustment reports supported in Central Finance0:59
Question 71: Are withholding tax adjustment reports supported in Central Finance?
- Question 72: Is Retail integrated with Central Finance?0:21
- Question 73: What needs to be considered when connecting a Third-Party (...)?2:26
- Question 74: What do I have to take into account if I use Advanced (...) ?1:27
- Question 75: What do I need to take into account if I have more ledgers in(...)?1:10
Learn how source postings replicate to central finance ledgers, with or without ledger groups. Provide initial balances for ledgers lacking counterparts; AMBI AWTYP postings do not post.
- Question 76: Which Best Practice Scenario can be run with Central Finance?0:24
- Question 77: Can I connect also SAP Source Systems via the Third-Party (...)?0:14
Connecting SAP source systems through a third-party interface to central finance is not supported for SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA systems.
- Question 78: How should the settlement for cost objects be done in Central(...)?0:34
Learn how cost objects settle in central finance: settle exclusively in the source ECC or in central finance, with no mixed settlements or exclusive-side control, reflected in a cutover migration.
- Question 79: How to retrigger replication of individual object entry from (...)?1:01
Retrigger replication of object entries from source to Central Finance with FINS_CFIN_SLT_TOUCH, selecting accounting document or accounting view of supplier invoice by company code, year, and document or invoice number.
- Question 80: How can a Local Currency Conversion be carried out in a (...)?1:14
Question 80: How can a Local Currency Conversion be carried out in a Central Finance scenario?
- Question 81 Can a Central Finance system act as a source system for (...)?0:33
Central finance systems can act as a source for another Central finance system, but this stacked setup is not designed or supported and lacks required business logic.
- Question 82 Is Universal Parallel Accounting (UPA) available in any CFIN...1:12
- Question 83 Can I use general ledger accounts managed on an extended open ...0:44
In a Central Finance scenario, extended open item management is not supported; use general ledger accounts managed on a regular open item basis in both source and Central Finance systems.
- Question 84 Can plan data be transferred from a source system to CFIN?0:19
Transfer plan data from a source system to the central finance system, a capability supported since SAP S/4 HANA 2023, with SAP online help.
- Question 85 Can you transfer postings from Universal Allocation to CFIN?0:22
Explore whether postings from universal allocation can transfer to the central finance system and how the FI interface handles universal allocations within the central finance scenario.
Requirements
- Some basic SAP knowledge may be required
Description
Hello! This training is for the SAP Central Finance Frequently Asked Questions based on SAP Note 2184567. We start by the note content, then go a step further detailing mentioned notes and documents and finally add information from lessons learned and our experience.
Central Finance allows companies to replicate or re-post financial transactions from multiple source systems into a single instance of SAP S4/HANA. This deployment approach allows customers with heterogeneous system landscapes or even single systems that are either out of maintenance or heavily customized to leverage the latest reporting innovations, simplifications in the architecture, better consolidated entity reporting and central processing capabilities.
This approach allows customers to leave their existing systems unchanged, apart from a series of notes that are applied to the SAP ECC systems.
Currently there are 80 Frequently Asked Questions in SAP Note 2184567. We will cover all of them, each one mapped to a lecture in the course. Even when the original version of the course does not have all questions, don't worry, I am working to bring all of them online. The base for the Q&A is an animated slide with either a voice or a talking head with a transcript in it.
This is a good reference to see what is possible with Central Finance, the best practices, the limitations, the constraints to consider and important topics for project implementation. Please, consider it as an open forum, all questions and feedback are welcome.
Who this course is for:
- SAP Central Finance consultants, leads, project manager and client implementing Central Finance