a. (i) The purposes of asset coding, include the following:
• To assign a unique identifier to each asset, creating a digital record of its status, location and history.
• To enable easy monitoring and accountability for all assets.
• To prevent theft by making it easier to identify company property and track down stolen items.
• To provide tamper-evident features that will ensure unauthorised removal.
• To streamline operational processes and reduce errors by providing quick access to asset data.
• To support accurate recording, reporting and auditing of asset- related transactions.
(ii) The features of a good asset coding system, include:
• Permanence: The coding system should be enduring and not subject to frequent changes. This ensures continuity and avoids confusion in long-term asset tracking.
• Flexibility and scalability: The coding structure must be flexible enough to accommodate the addition of new assets and categories without requiring a complete overhaul of the existing system. This allows for future expansion.
• Significance (Descriptive): Each digit or group of characters within the code should mean something, providing key information about the asset at a glance, such as its type, location or department.
• Simplicity: The system should be simple and easy for all employees to understand and use. Overly complex codes can lead to errors and reduce efficiency.
• Consistency: A structured and uniform approach to naming and coding must be enforced across all assets. This is to preventmisinterpretation and to ensure clarity. 25
• Uniqueness: Each asset must have a unique identifier to prevent duplication in the asset register and ensure precise tracking and physical verification.
• Integration: A good coding system integrates well with other systems like accounting, procurement and maintenance software to ensure data consistency and improved data flow.
• Auditability: The coding system, when implemented as part of a comprehensive asset register, should support clear audit trails and assist in meeting compliance requirements for financial reporting and tax purposes.
(b) Coding structure: XX – YY – ZZZZ
• XX = Department (01 = Admin, 02 = Production, 03 = Sales)
• YY = Asset Type (10 = Motor vehicles, 20 = Office equipment, 30 = Plant & machinery)
• ZZZZ = Serial Number
i) A delivery van for sales department (first in the series). 03–10–0001
ii) Photocopier machine for administration (third in the series). 01–20–0003
iii) Lathe machine for production department (second in the series). 02–30–0002
iv) Office chairs for administration (fourth in the series). 01–20–0004
v) Truck for production department (first in the series). 02–10–0001
vi) Laptop computers for sales department (second in the series). 03–20–0002
(c) Mr. Uwaifor Three-column cash book Date Details Disc Cash Bank Date Details Disc Cash Bank N N N N N N 1/6/2025 Bal b/f - 50,000 120,000 5/6/2025 Creditor's (Wk) 1,500 - 28,500 10/6/2025 Debtor (Wk2) 800 - 39,200 15/6/2025 Cash - - 10,000 15/6/2025 Bank - 10,000 - 20/6/2025 Office rent - 15,000 - 25/6/2025 Cash - - 20,000 25/6/2025 Bank - 20,000 - 28/6/2025 Bank charges - - 1,200 30/6/2025 Bal c/d - 25,000 139,500 800 60,000 179,200 1,500 60,000 179,200 1/7/2025 Bal b/d 25,000 139,500 26
Examiner’s report The question tests candidates’ understanding of asset coding systems; purpose, features and application and their ability to prepare a three-column cash book, focusing on practical accounting skills. Majority of the candidates attempted the question and their performance was average. Candidates’ pitfalls include:
• Mixing up the purpose and features of asset coding with those of an asset register, confusing identification goals with the detailed tracking function of a register;
• Struggling with establishing clear coding systems, such as using sequential numbers per category;
• Posting errors of contra entries, with cash and bank columns sometimes reversed for transfers; and
• Discounts allowed were not always correctly reduced from cash received and discounts received were not properly adjusted in payments. Candidates are advised to distinguish between basic concepts, for example by clearly separating coding for identification and asset register for detailed tracking; They should also practice coding using a consistent structure and sequence numbers logically; and Master contra entries, handle discounts carefully, review formats and practice examples for clarity.
Marking guide Marks Marks (a) Assets coding
i. Explaining three (3) purposes of assets coding 3 ii. Explaining three (3) features of assets coding 3 iii. Application of codes to the six (6) given scenarios 6 12
(b) Preparation of three column cash book
• Correct entries for balance b/f on June 1, 2025 1
• Correct entries for contra transactions 2
• Correct entries for discount allowed and received 1
• Correct entry for cheque received from customers ½
• Correct entry for cash paid ½
• Correct entry for cheque paid to suppliers ½
• Correct entry for bank charges ½
• Correct entries for balance c/f 1
• Correct entries for balance b/f on July 1, 2025 1 8 Total 20 27