# Spendesk advanced write-back

Expense Tool Writeback after DATEV export, plus optional master-data sync of CoA and suppliers to Spendesk.

After Cortena exports Spendesk expenses to DATEV, push booking fields back to Spendesk with the **Expense Tool Writeback** workflow node. Optionally keep Spendesk’s chart of accounts and suppliers updated when Cortena master data changes.

**Who this is for:** Teams that own DATEV export in Cortena (not Spendesk-owned DATEV) and need Spendesk to reflect Cortena coding. Requires Spendesk advanced write-back to be enabled for the workspace.

## 1. Workflow node: Expense Tool Writeback

1. Open **Settings → Workflow** for expenses (or your expense workflow editor).
2. Place **Expense Tool Writeback** **after** a successful accounting export.
3. Choose **Expense tool**: Spendesk (when connected).
4. Select **Fields to write back**, for example: Expense account, Tax account, Cost center, Analytical fields, Accounting date, **Mark as exported**.
5. Map analytical fields in the table when you use them.
6. Publish the workflow.

Other expense tools may appear in the list but write-back fields are only available for Spendesk in this release.

When advanced write-back is on, Cortena does **not** also auto-mark exported via the older DATEV success path. The node owns that step when you include **Mark as exported**.

## 2. Master data sync to Spendesk

1. Open **Settings → Integrations → Expenses → Spendesk**.
2. Under **Master data sync to Spendesk**:
   - Optionally enable **Keep Spendesk updated when Cortena chart of accounts or suppliers change**.
   - Click **Sync master data now** and wait a few minutes; **Last sync** updates when finished.

Sync is non-destructive: Cortena creates missing accounts/suppliers and links; it does not delete or overwrite existing Spendesk rows.

## Tips and limitations

- If DATEV ownership is set to Spendesk, Cortena blocks DATEV export for Spendesk payables. Advanced enrich needs Cortena-owned DATEV plus Spendesk write scopes.
- Related: [Spendesk](https://help.cortena.ai/guides/integrations/spendesk), [Spendesk cost centers](https://help.cortena.ai/guides/integrations/spendesk-cost-centers), [Expense workflow](https://help.cortena.ai/guides/workflows/expense-workflow).

## Quick reference

| Task | Where |
| --- | --- |
| Write fields after export | Workflow → Expense Tool Writeback |
| Master data | Settings → Integrations → Expenses → Spendesk |