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Locking account mapping is a crucial feature that ensures the consistency and accuracy of your financial data across different reporting periods. This article explains how mapping locking work, how to unlock them if needed, and what implications unlocking may have.

Table of contents 

How locking mapping works 

  • To preserve historical financial data, account mapping is made period-specific. When a period is locked for the first time, the associated account mapping is also locked. 
  • Even if the period is later unlocked, the account mapping remains locked unless you explicitly unlock it.

How to unlock mapping

If you need to modify mapping in a locked period, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Unlock the relevant period. 
  2. If the period has been permanently locked, an admin user must assist in unlocking it.
  3. When the period is unlocked, you will see a message indicating that the account mapping remains locked.

To update the locked mapping:

  • Go to the Actions button.
  • Select Unlock Period Mapping.
  • The system will update the mapping to the latest version.

Warning Message: When unlocking the mapping, a warning will appear to ensure you understand the potential impact. The mapping will be updated, and accounts for the selected period may change based on the new mapping. It is advisable to review workflows and make necessary updates to ensure accuracy.

Alternative to unlocking mapping

 If you do not want to update the mapping, you can still post an adjustment in the period with locked mapping. This allows you to move or update balances without modifying the locked mapping. 

Impact on Comparative Information

Comparative financial data is pulled from the prior year's mapping. If the current period's mapping has changed but the prior period’s mapping remains locked, the comparative data will remain unchanged. To update comparative information, follow the unlocking process outlined above.

Does mapping change in the locked period?

When mapping is updated in an open period, working papers in locked periods may still show the new mapping.

Why Does This Happen? 

  • When a new mapping is applied, the system creates a snapshot of how accounts were mapped at that moment. The mapping is then updated across all periods, but the snapshot remains stored for reference. 
  • This snapshot is currently used only in reconciliation text (liquid templates) to swap the current and previous mappings for comparison.
  •  However, it does not preserve the original account mapping at the working paper level. As a result, locked periods may display updated mappings when new mapping is applied in open periods.


Locking account mapping is an essential feature for maintaining financial data consistency. However, you should be aware of its limitations when making changes to mappings in open periods. By understanding the implications of unlocking mapping, you can ensure accurate financial reporting across all periods.