Settings
Control Accounts
Map system roles like accounts receivable and VAT to accounts in your chart.
Control accounts tell Anchor which chart accounts to use for automated postings and tax reports (invoices, bills, payments, VAT returns, and more).
By default, each role points at a template account (for example AR 1200). If your chart uses different codes, map the role to your account instead of renaming locked built-in accounts.
Where to manage
Settings → Control Accounts
You need permission to manage accounts (manage:accounts).
Common roles
| Role | Typical use | Default code (generic template) |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts receivable | Invoice AR, payments, credit notes | 1200 |
| Accounts payable | Bills, payments, debit notes | 2100 |
| Output VAT / GST payable | Tax on sales | 2200 |
| Input VAT / GST receivable | Tax on purchases | 1500 |
| VAT / GST suspense | Return clearing | 2240 |
| Default bank / cash | Fallback bank when none chosen | 1100 |
| Sales tax payable (US) | US sales tax liability | 2230 |
Enable Show advanced roles for inventory, FX, deposits, and related accounts.
How to use a custom chart
- Create your accounts under Accounting → Accounts (e.g. AR code
0800). - Open Settings → Control Accounts.
- For Accounts receivable, pick your
0800account. - Map AP, VAT, and bank roles the same way if needed.
- Click Save changes.
- Optionally mark unused built-in accounts inactive so they hide from pickers.
Built-in system accounts cannot be renamed or deleted. Mapping replaces them for automation without changing their identity.
Behaviour notes
- Forward-only: changing a mapping does not reclass old journals; only new postings use the new account.
- Type checks: AR must be an asset, AP a liability, and so on.
- Reset clears a custom mapping so the template default code is used again.
- Accounts that are currently mapped cannot be hard-deleted until you clear the mapping.
API and MCP
- REST:
GET/PUT/api/v1/settings/control-accounts - MCP:
list_control_account_mappings,set_control_account_mapping
See the API reference and MCP guide.