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Locking a period in Silverfin helps maintain data integrity by preventing unintended changes to financial records. This article explains what happens when a period is locked, what it does (and doesn’t do), and how you can use this feature effectively. You’ll also learn how to lock and unlock a period, as well as how to monitor changes using the audit log.

Table of contents

How to Lock and Unlock a Period

Locking a Period

  1. Go to the Client Overview screen.
  2. Click Actions button on the right-hand side.
  3. Select Lock to secure the period.
  4. You will see a confirmation screen indicating that the period is now locked.

Unlocking a Period

  1. Go to the Client Overview screen.
  2. Select Unlock to make changes.

Permanent Locking

If a period is permanently locked, only users with admin rights can unlock it.

What Happens When You Lock a Period?

Locking a period secures your financial data and prevents unintended changes. Here’s what it does:

Locks Template Inputs

Once a period is locked, any data entered into templates within that period cannot be modified unless the period is unlocked.

Locks the Template Version

This ensures that any updates to templates will not affect reconciliation and account templates within the locked period. This prevents inconsistencies from unexpected updates.

Locks the Mapping

The mapping applied at the time of locking remains unchanged. Even if the period is unlocked, the mapping stays locked unless explicitly updated.

What Locking a Period Doesn’t Do

  • It does not stop data synchronization. Changes in the underlying bookkeeping system will still sync to the locked period.
  • You will be alerted if data changes. A notification will inform you of any updates, and you can review the changes before deciding whether to act on them.

When viewing changes, you’ll see the affected account details, along with old and new values. You can then:

  • Accept new values and keep tracking – Acknowledge the change.
  • Close and keep notification visible – Dismiss the review window while keeping the alert active.

Using Locking as a Control Measure

Locking and unlocking periods are logged in the Audit Log, allowing you to track any changes. For example:

  1. A user completes their work in Silverfin.
  2. A manager or partner reviews and locks the period.
  3. If a previously completed period shows a lower completion percentage later, users can check the Audit Log to identify whether it was manually unlocked or if new data synced in.

By incorporating period locking into your workflow, you ensure data accuracy and control over your financial reporting.