Hi all, fipo here after using GNU Cash for 1 week. Love the software!

When trying to import a CSV file with multi-split journal entries, the first time I tried it went smoothly. For a second file, I had all kinds of error messages from GNUCash that the multi-split entries were not balancing, or that another balancing account was required. The import did not work, whatever I tried.

When comparing the 2 csv import files and testing the import, I noticed that the order in which journal entry lines are put into the file determine the behavior of GNUCash.

In short, the multi-split journal entries must be put into the CSV file in this order;

1. Assets
2. Liabilities
3. Expenses
3. Revenue

So for example this balancing journal entry which is 100% valid relating to a send sales invoice will go wrong;

1. Invoices to be received (current assets) EUR 100 debit
2. Net revenue (P/L account)                EUR  80 credit
3. VAT to be paid (current liabilities)     EUR  20 credit 

And this one too;

1. Net revenue (P/L account)                EUR  80 credit
2. VAT to be paid (current liabilities)     EUR  20 credit
3. Invoices to be received (current assets) EUR 100 debit

And this one with a different order will be OK;

1. Invoices to be received (current assets) EUR 100 debit
2. VAT to be paid (current liabilities)     EUR  20 credit 
3. Net revenue (P/L account)                EUR  80 credit

Solutions

Plan A would be to reprogram the validations in GnuCash so the order of the journal entry lines is irrelevant for the testing if the journal entry lines are balancing as a whole.

Plan B would be to update the help files relating to importing CSV files with multiple split journal entries, so users know beforehand that they could run into trouble when not putting the lines in an acceptabel order.

Let me know if more info is needed or not,I could provide if necessary. 

Cheers,

Herman