Which process prevents AR and AP users from posting to the general ledger during closing?

The Period End process effectively prevents Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) users from posting to the general ledger during the closing phase. When the Period End process is initiated, it locks the accounting period, ensuring that no transactions can be recorded for that period. This is crucial for maintaining accurate financial reports, as it allows financial staff to finalize accounts and ensure that all necessary adjustments have been made before moving to the next period.

During this process, the system typically enforces controls to uphold the integrity of financial data, thus preventing inadvertent entries that could disrupt the accuracy of financial statements. The completion of the Period End process is essential for preparing accurate financial reports and for transitioning smoothly into the next accounting period, marking it as a vital part of the closing workflow.

In contrast, while the Year End process may also have implications on closing operations, it is specifically focused on the transition from one fiscal year to the next. The Period Close Checklist serves as a tool to guide through closing tasks rather than actually preventing postings. An Account Lock generally pertains to specific accounts rather than the entire period. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for restricting postings to the general ledger during closing is the Period End process.