How to Allow Non-GL Changes in NetSuite: A Guide

When working with financial data in NetSuite, there are certain changes that impact the General Ledger (GL) and others that do not. In many scenarios, especially for accounting purposes, it's necessary to update transactions without affecting the General Ledger. This process is known as allowing non-GL changes.

Understanding Non-GL Changes in NetSuite

“Non-GL changes” refer to updates made to a transaction in NetSuite that do not affect the General Ledger. These modifications are often necessary for adjustments such as correcting a typo, updating memo fields, or adding any other non-accounting information.

For example, if you need to update the customer reference on an invoice without changing the amount or the financial impact, this is a non-GL change.

How to Enable Non-GL Changes in NetSuite

To allow non-GL changes in NetSuite, you need to adjust the accounting preferences in your system settings.

Step 1: Navigate to Accounting Preferences

1. Log in to the Administrator role.
2. Go to Setup > Accounting > Preferences > Accounting Preferences.

Step 2: Enable Non-GL Changes

1. In the Accounting Preferences page, look for the option “Allow Non-GL Changes”.
2. Check the box next to Allow Non-GL Changes on Transactions.
3. Save your changes.

Step 3: Making Non-GL Changes to Transactions

1. Go to the specific transaction (e.g., invoice, credit memo, sales order).
2. Edit the transaction details that do not impact the financial data, such as memo, customer reference, or custom fields.
3. Save the transaction.

By enabling this feature, NetSuite will allow you to update certain fields without generating a new journal entry or affecting the transaction’s impact on the General Ledger.

Important Permissions

Make sure that the users making these changes have the correct permissions:

1. Navigate to Setup > Users/Roles > Manage Roles.
2. Edit the role that needs access.
3. Under Permissions, ensure they have access to Transactions and the appropriate level of editing capabilities for non-GL changes.

Enabling non-GL changes in NetSuite is a powerful feature for managing transaction data effectively. However, it requires careful control and oversight to ensure that the changes made do not inadvertently impact financial reporting.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices, you can maintain the integrity of your financial data while still allowing necessary updates for improved data quality and record-keeping.

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