Configuring Contra Entries

Last updated on 2025-07-02

Overview

The Contra entry accounting rule type is used for recording postings within or between P&L and balance sheet. This type of contra entry is used with depreciation in the fixed assets, for example.

Depreciations do not have a cash flow impact, but reduce the value of the fixed assets (accumulated depreciation) in the balance sheet, and thus require a contra entry.

This article contains the following sections:

Configuring Contra Entries

To configure an accounting rule of the type Contra entry:

  1. In the dimension bar, select the combination of data level and reporting entity for which the accounting rule should apply.
  2. In the tree view, select the desired element (ledger, account, or item).
  3. Click Edit in the top right to open editing mode.
  4. If you selected a ledger, open the Balance with carry forward from previous period or the Transaction figure tab.
  5. Select Contra entry as the accounting rule from the Type drop-down list.
Options on the Configuration Tab
The dialog for configuring a contra entry is displayed.
Configuration options for a contra entry

The following options are available on the Configuration tab:

Option

Description

Account

Account for the contra entry

Partner

Partner for the contra entry

You can only define a partner if the Create postings on the contra account using the partners from this account check box is deactivated.

Transaction type

Transaction type from the account’s transaction type category, used to ensure associated schedules are updated in the plan when selected.

Additional notes:

  • Transaction types can only be selected with contra entries relating to schedule-relevant accounts or items.
  • The transaction type field becomes editable once an account is selected.