The University maintains a Fixed Asset Register in order to comply with external reporting requirements and to promote the efficient and effective use of University resources. The Fixed Asset Register records the cost, depreciation, transfer, disposal and location details of all accountable fixed assets used by the University.
An accountable fixed asset is defined as an asset with an individual unit cost (GST exclusive) greater than $10,000. The depreciated value of the asset is recorded in the balance sheet.
Accountable fixed assets are recorded under the following categories:
Cost is either:
Attractive/portable items with an individual purchase price less than $10,000 (excl. GST) are not recorded on the University Asset register. Business units are responsible for ensuring all Assets under their control with an individual value less than $10,000 (excl. GST) are recorded and managed.
A register of Land and Buildings is maintained by Finance.
Staff members are responsible for accountable fixed assets in their custody. They must take adequate precaution to prevent theft or misappropriation of those assets. Assets are normally housed on University premises. If they are to be housed off-campus, the written approval of the supervisor is to be obtained by the staff member in control of the asset. Supervisors must also ensure that such assets are returned should the staff member leave the employ of the University.
Loaning of an Asset to another Business unit should only occur for University purposes and must be approved under section 3.36 of the Delegations of Authority Policy and Register.
Asset theft should be immediately reported to the Insurance Manager who will arrange insurance claims where applicable. For further information on insurance procedures, please refer to the Insurance webpage.
A stocktake of accountable fixed assets (excluding furniture & fittings) is completed annually by each cost centre to verify the existence of assets and confirm their location. Stocktakes are carried out progressively throughout the year via a “rolling” stocktake. An asset listing is provided to each cost centre by Finance. The responsibility of each cost centre is to:
Authority to write off missing items from the Asset Register is detailed in section 3.36 of the Delegations of Authority Policy and Register.
Reasons for the disposal of accountable fixed assets include:
Prior to disposal, approval in writing is required under section 3.36 of the Delegations of Authority Policy and Register. The written down value of the item is used to determine the level of approval needed. However, approval is required even when the item has been fully written down.
An accountable fixed asset surplus or obsolete at one location may be of use at another location of the University. If the item is not to be traded in on a replacement, it should firstly be offered for transfer within the University. Any such transfer normally will not involve any transfer of funds.
Items declared unserviceable or beyond economical repair may be broken down for parts to be used in repair of other assets.
Saleable items are to be disposed of by one of the following methods:
All disposed items must be completely cleansed of University identification including licensed software.
Donations of disposed items to charities or non-profit organisations should only be made where no sale is possible, or disposal costs exceed the proceeds.
Whatever the means of disposal, the University is required to ensure that it is conducted in a transparent manner and the best value for money is achieved.
If an accountable fixed asset is to be traded in, three written quotations are to be obtained from prospective suppliers.
An official University receipt is issued to the purchaser upon receipt of any proceeds, as the sale of second-hand equipment by the University is subject to GST. A tax invoice must be issued within 28 days if requested by the purchaser.
Items not considered saleable and not otherwise useful to the University, are to be dumped after liaising with the campus manager regarding the most appropriate method of removal.
If there is uncertainty determining which of the above methods of disposal is the most appropriate, queries should be directed to Finance.
To receive approval to dispose of assets you must complete the Asset Disposal Form and have it approved by the Director of Finance.
Depreciation is charged centrally and is calculated by the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset.
When accountable fixed assets are sold or traded-in by a cost centre, the proceeds are credited to the relevant cost centre.
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