How to create cost centre codes

Last updated: June 19, 2026

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Overview

Cost centre codes are optional accounting identifiers assigned to each location in Found. They help you organise and track invoiced costs by internal department or business unit, and they flow through to invoices, invoice line items, and financial reports.

This article explains what cost centre codes are, where to find them in Found, how to create them, and the permissions you need.

What is a cost centre code?

A cost centre code is a text value (for example, CC-01 or DEPT-ADMIN) assigned to a location. It is one of three accounting code types managed together in Found:

  • Nominal codes

  • Department codes

  • Cost centre codes

Once assigned, the cost centre code is inherited by invoices linked to that location and appears on invoice line item exports and reporting.

How to create a cost centre code

  1. Go to Settings → Billing → Accounting codes.

  2. Open the Cost centre codes tab.

  3. Find the location you want to assign a code to.

  4. Enter the cost centre code value in the field for that location.

  5. Save your changes.

The code is now linked to that location and will be applied to invoices generated for it.

Tips

  • Use the Missing cost centre code quick filter to find locations that have not yet been assigned a code.

  • Cost centre codes are optional — you can leave a location's code blank if it does not need one.

How it works

  • Cost centre codes are stored on the location record.

  • When an invoice is generated, the location's cost centre code is inherited by the invoice and its line items.

  • The code appears on invoice line item exports and is available as a filter and grouping option in invoicing and fee summary reports.

Rules

  • The code is free text — no required format, length, or character restrictions.

  • Codes do not need to be unique. Multiple locations can share the same code.

  • Leading and trailing spaces are removed automatically.

  • The field is optional and can be left blank.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I have to assign a cost centre code to every location? A: No. Cost centre codes are optional. Locations without a code will still generate invoices as normal.

Q: Can two locations share the same cost centre code? A: Yes. There is no uniqueness rule, so you can group multiple locations under the same code.

Q: Is there a required format for the code? A: No. The field accepts any text. Use whatever convention works for your finance team.

Q: Where do cost centre codes appear once they are set? A: On invoices linked to the location, on invoice line item exports, and as a filter and grouping option in invoicing and fee summary reports.

Q: Why can't I see the Cost centre codes page? A: Either your organisation is not subscribed to the Billing module, or your role does not have access. Speak to your administrator.

Q: How do I find locations that are missing a cost centre code? A: Use the Missing cost centre code quick filter on the Cost centre codes page.

Q: Can I delete a cost centre code? A: Yes — clear the field for that location and save. The code will no longer be applied to new invoices for that location.

Q: Will updating a cost centre code change historic invoices? A: No. The code is inherited at the time the invoice is generated, so existing invoices keep the code they were issued with.