WAEC Past Questions

WAEC Accounting 2019
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2019 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

A quality of accounting information is that it should be

A. profitable
B. verifiable
C. applicable
D. depreciable
Explanation

Verifiability is one of the enhancing qualitative characteristics of financial information according to the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting. It means that different knowledgeable and independent observers could reach consensus that the information faithfully represents the economic phenomena it purports to represent, thereby increasing user confidence in the financial statements.

2
Question 2 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

When the letter 'C' is written in front of an entry in the folio column of a cash book, it shows a

A. double entry
B. cash entry
C. contra entry
D. journal entry
Explanation

A contra entry in the cash book is indicated by 'C' in the folio column. It represents transactions between the cash and bank columns, such as cash deposited into the bank (debit bank, credit cash) or cash withdrawn from the bank (debit cash, credit bank), allowing for internal cross-referencing without a separate journal entry.

3
Question 3 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

To show the evidence of payment, the revenue collector issues

A. receipt voucher
B. payment voucher
C. treasury receipt
D. treasury voucher
Explanation

A receipt voucher is issued by the revenue collector to the payer as official evidence that payment has been received. This document acknowledges the transaction and serves as proof for the payer's records, ensuring accountability in revenue collection processes.

4
Question 4 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

The primary concern of shareholder in a business is the

A. ascertainment of taxable profit
B. dividend payable
C. ability to pay interest
D. welfare of employees
Explanation

Shareholders are owners of the company and their primary interest is in maximizing returns on their investment, primarily through dividends. Dividend payable directly affects their income, whereas other items like taxable profit or employee welfare are secondary concerns.

5
Question 5 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

In a not-for-profit organization, accumulated fund is

A. current assets plus fixed assets less total liabilities
B. long-term liabilities plus current liabilities
C. fixed assets plus current assets plus long-term liabilities
D. fixed assets less long-term liabilities less current liabilities
Explanation

The accumulated fund represents the net assets of a not-for-profit organization, calculated as total assets (fixed assets + current assets) minus total liabilities. It reflects the excess of revenues over expenditures accumulated over time, similar to owner's equity in profit-oriented entities.

6
Question 6 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Trade creditors on 01/01/17: N630,000; Trade creditors on 31/12/17: N780,000; Cash paid to trade creditors in 2017: N2,700,000. Purchases for 2017 was

A. N3,480,000
B. N2,850,000
C. N3,300,000
D. N2,550,000
Explanation

Using the creditors control account reconciliation: Closing creditors = Opening creditors + Purchases - Cash paid. Therefore, Purchases = Closing creditors + Cash paid - Opening creditors = N780,000 + N2,700,000 - N630,000 = N2,850,000. This determines the credit purchases for the period.

7
Question 7 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Trade creditors on 01/01/17: N630,000; Trade creditors on 31/12/17: N780,000; Cash paid to trade creditors in 2017: N2,700,000; Stock on 01/01/17: N540,000; Stock on 31/12/17: N630,000. Cost of goods sold was

A. N2,910,000
B. N2,760,000
C. N3,300,000
D. N2,610,000
Explanation

Purchases = N2,850,000 (from question 6). Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) = Opening stock + Purchases - Closing stock = N540,000 + N2,850,000 - N630,000 = N2,760,000. COGS represents the cost of inventory that was sold during the accounting period, used in calculating gross profit.

8
Question 8 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

In public sector accounting, salaries of employees is classified as

A. capital expenditure
B. capital receipt
C. recurrent expenditure
D. recurrent receipt
Explanation

Salaries are recurring operational costs essential for day-to-day government functions and are classified as recurrent expenditure in public sector accounting. This classification helps in budgeting for ongoing expenses separate from one-time capital outlays.

9
Question 9 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Kadiri paid his debt to Suleman by cheque. The accounting entries in Kadiri's books are:

A. Bank Account debit; Suleman’s Account credit
B. Bank Account debit; Debtors’ Account credit
C. Suleman’s Account debit; Bank Account credit
D. Suleman’s Account debit; Cash Account credit
Explanation

When paying a creditor (Suleman) by cheque, debit Suleman's account (to reduce the liability) and credit the bank account (to reduce the asset). This double-entry records the settlement of the debt correctly.

10
Question 10 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

The concept which seeks to prevent profits from being overstated is

A. materiality
B. consistency
C. prudence
D. periodicity
Explanation

The prudence concept (also known as conservatism) dictates that anticipated losses should be provided for, but anticipated profits should not be recognized until realized. This ensures that profits are not overstated, promoting cautious and reliable financial reporting.

11
Question 11 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: April 11: Sold goods for cash N50,000; April 20: Bought postage for cash N5,000; April 26: Cash sales N49,000; April 28: Cash purchases N11,000; April 30: Paid salaries N18,000. Total cash receipts for the period is

A. N99,000
B. N64,000
C. N50,000
D. N35,000
Explanation

Cash receipts are inflows from sales: April 11 N50,000 + April 26 N49,000 = N99,000. Outflows like postage, purchases, and salaries do not affect receipts. This total is used to update the cash book for liquidity tracking.

12
Question 12 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: April 11: Sold goods for cash N50,000; April 20: Bought goods for cash N30,000; April 26: Bought postage for cash N5,000; April 28: Cash purchases N11,000; April 30: Paid salaries N18,000. The cash balance at the end of the period is

A. N99,000
B. N64,000
C. N35,000
D. N34,000
Explanation

Assuming zero opening balance, cash receipts = N50,000 + N49,000 = N99,000. Cash payments = N30,000 (goods) + N5,000 (postage) + N11,000 (purchases) + N18,000 (salaries) = N64,000. Closing balance = N99,000 - N64,000 = N35,000. This net figure indicates the cash position at period end.

13
Question 13 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: The directors of Olu Ltd. recommended a dividend of 10% on 1,000,000 ordinary share capital of GH¢2.00 each. The amount of dividend declared is

A. GH¢200,000
B. GH¢100,000
C. GH¢20,000
D. GH¢10,000
Explanation

Total share capital = 1,000,000 shares × GH¢2.00 = GH¢2,000,000. Dividend at 10% = 10% × GH¢2,000,000 = GH¢200,000. This declared amount becomes a current liability until paid and is deducted from retained earnings.

14
Question 14 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Goodwill is recognized in partnership

A. when a new partner is admitted
B. when the business has adequate bank balance
C. when there is huge profit
D. when the business is sold
Explanation

Goodwill is recorded when admitting a new partner to account for the premium paid for the existing partnership's reputation, customer base, and earning potential. It is calculated based on average profits and adjusted in the capital accounts.

15
Question 15 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Mark-up on a product is 2/3. The margin is

A. 3/5
B. 2/5
C. 1/3
D. 2/9
Explanation

Mark-up is profit as a fraction of cost price (2/3), so if cost = 3 parts, profit = 2 parts, selling price = 5 parts. Margin = profit / selling price = 2/5. Alternatively, margin = mark-up / (1 + mark-up) = (2/3) / (5/3) = 2/5.

16
Question 16 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Quick ratio is calculated as x:y:z where

A. x = stock; y = current assets and z = long-term liabilities
B. x = current assets; y = debtors and z = current liabilities
C. x = current assets; y = stock and z = current liabilities
D. x = debtors; y = stock and z = current assets
Explanation

The quick ratio (acid-test ratio) = (Current assets - Stock) / Current liabilities. It assesses immediate liquidity by excluding inventory, which may not be quickly convertible to cash, providing a conservative measure of short-term solvency.

17
Question 17 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Opening capital D10,800; Drawings D2,500; Net profit D6,000. The closing capital is

A. D16,800
B. D14,300
C. D8,300
D. D7,300
Explanation

Closing capital = Opening capital + Net profit - Drawings = D10,800 + D6,000 - D2,500 = D14,300. This statement reconciles the change in owner's equity, assuming no additional capital introductions or other adjustments.

18
Question 18 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Opening capital D10,800; Drawings D2,500; Trade creditors D2,560; Trade debtors D2,880; Cash in hand D1,000; Net profit D6,000. The working capital is

A. D6,440
B. D3,840
C. D3,500
D. D1,320
Explanation

Working capital = Current assets - Current liabilities. Current assets = Trade debtors D2,880 + Cash D1,000 = D3,880. Current liabilities = Trade creditors D2,560. Thus, D3,880 - D2,560 = D1,320. It measures funds available for day-to-day operations.

19
Question 19 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

In a single-entry accounting, purchases are ascertained using a

A. trading account
B. debtors' control account
C. statement of affairs
D. creditors' control account
Explanation

In single-entry systems, the creditors' control (or memorandum) account is used to derive purchases: Purchases = Cash paid to creditors + Closing creditors - Opening creditors. This reconstructs the missing double-entry for trading account preparation.

20
Question 20 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Goods bought from Samah for Le1,600 was entered into Shamail's Account. This is an error of

A. compensation
B. commission
C. original entry
D. principle
Explanation

An error of commission involves posting a correct amount to the wrong account of the same type (e.g., wrong creditor's personal account). Here, the purchase was debited to Shamail instead of Samah. It does not affect the trial balance but misstates individual accounts.

21
Question 21 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

If closing stock is undervalued, the cost of goods sold would be

A. overstated and the gross profit understated
B. understated and the gross profit overstated
C. overstated and the gross profit overstated
D. understated and the gross profit understated
Explanation

COGS = Opening stock + Purchases - Closing stock. Undervaluing closing stock reduces the subtraction, overstating COGS. Gross profit = Sales - COGS, so overstated COGS understates gross profit, leading to conservative profit reporting.

22
Question 22 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Where fixed capital account is maintained, partner's share of profit is transferred to the

A. debit side of capital account
B. credit side of capital account
C. credit side of partner's current account
D. debit side of partner's current account
Explanation

Under the fixed capital method, capital accounts remain unchanged, and profit shares (along with interest, salary, and drawings) are credited to the partner's current account. This separates fixed investments from fluctuating interests.

23
Question 23 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

When bank charges are deducted from a customer's account, the balance on the bank statement would be

A. less than the cash book balance
B. more than the cash book balance
C. equal to the cash book balance
D. unaffected by the charges
Explanation

Bank charges are automatically debited by the bank, reducing the statement balance immediately. The cash book is updated later during reconciliation, so until then, the cash book overstates the bank balance compared to the statement.

24
Question 24 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Companies issue shares to the public in order to

A. reduce the number of directors
B. reduce the number of shareholders
C. raise capital
D. generate profit
Explanation

Issuing shares to the public raises equity capital for business expansion, operations, or investments without creating debt obligations. It broadens the ownership base while providing necessary funds.

25
Question 25 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Sulah took two textile materials worth GH¢500 from his business for his children's use. This would be treated as

A. loan
B. stock
C. drawings
D. sales
Explanation

Withdrawals of goods by the owner for personal use are recorded as drawings, reducing owner's capital and inventory. Debit drawings account, credit purchases/stock account to reflect the personal consumption.

26
Question 26 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Ajém and Ogah are in partnership sharing profits and losses in ratio 2:3. Interest on capital and drawings were 5% and 3% respectively. Capitals: Ajém GH¢60,000, Ogah GH¢65,000. Current accounts: Ajém GH¢40,000, Ogah GH¢50,000. Drawings: Ajém GH¢20,000, Ogah GH¢30,000. Salary: Ajém GH¢10,000. Net profit GH¢100,000. Ogah’s share of profit was

A. GH¢51,150
B. GH¢50,250
C. GH¢34,100
D. GH¢33,500
Explanation

Salary to Ajém: GH¢10,000. Interest on capital: Ajém GH¢3,000, Ogah GH¢3,250 (total GH¢6,250). Interest on drawings: Ajém GH¢600, Ogah GH¢900 (total GH¢1,500). Residual profit = GH¢100,000 - GH¢10,000 - GH¢6,250 + GH¢1,500 = GH¢85,250. Ogah's share (3/5) = GH¢51,150. This ensures equitable distribution per agreement.

27
Question 27 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Ajém and Ogah are in partnership sharing profits and losses in ratio 2:3. Interest on capital and drawings were 5% and 3% respectively. Capitals: Ajém GH¢60,000, Ogah GH¢65,000. Current accounts: Ajém GH¢40,000, Ogah GH¢50,000. Drawings: Ajém GH¢20,000, Ogah GH¢30,000. Salary: Ajém GH¢10,000. Net profit GH¢100,000. Ajém’s current account balance was

A. GH¢66,500
B. GH¢60,000
C. GH¢42,000
D. GH¢40,000
Explanation

Opening current GH¢40,000 + Salary GH¢10,000 + Int. capital GH¢3,000 + Share GH¢34,100 (2/5 of GH¢85,250) - Drawings GH¢20,000 - Int. drawings GH¢600 = GH¢66,500. This closing balance reflects all appropriations and adjustments in the current account under fixed capital method.

28
Question 28 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Ajém and Ogah are in partnership sharing profits and losses in ratio 2:3. Interest on capital and drawings were 5% and 3% respectively. Capitals: Ajém GH¢60,000, Ogah GH¢65,000. Current accounts: Ajém GH¢40,000, Ogah GH¢50,000. Drawings: Ajém GH¢20,000, Ogah GH¢30,000. Salary: Ajém GH¢10,000. Net profit GH¢100,000. Interest on drawings was

A. GH¢6,000
B. GH¢1,500
C. GH¢900
D. GH¢600
Explanation

Interest on drawings: Ajém GH¢20,000 × 3% = GH¢600; Ogah GH¢30,000 × 3% = GH¢900. Total = GH¢1,500. This charge discourages excessive withdrawals and is debited to each partner's current account while added back to the residual profit for division.

29
Question 29 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Debtors Control Account is kept in the

A. sales ledger
B. nominal ledger
C. personal ledger
D. general ledger
Explanation

The Debtors Control Account serves as a summary total of all individual debtor balances maintained in the sales ledger (personal ledger for debtors). It provides an overview in the general ledger while details are in the sales ledger for subsidiary records.

30
Question 30 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Where there is provision for depreciation, fixed asset is shown in the balance sheet at I. cost less depreciation for the period II. cost less depreciation to date III. written down values A. I only B. II only C. I and II only D. I, II and III

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. I, II and III
Explanation

Fixed assets are presented at their net book value, which is historical cost less accumulated depreciation to date (II). Written down value (III) is synonymous with II, while I refers only to the current period's charge, not the balance sheet carrying amount.

31
Question 31 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

The partner whose liability goes beyond his capital is a

A. nominal partner
B. general partner
C. limited partner
D. dormant partner
Explanation

A general partner has unlimited liability, personally liable for partnership debts beyond their capital contribution, potentially using personal assets. Limited partners' liability is restricted to their investment.

32
Question 32 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

An effect of increase in the provision for depreciation is

A. decrease in gross profit
B. decrease in net profit
C. increase in net profit
D. increase in gross profit
Explanation

Depreciation is an expense charged to the profit and loss account after gross profit. Increasing the provision increases total expenses, reducing net profit. It allocates asset cost over useful life but impacts profitability.

33
Question 33 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Uncredited cheques refer to cheques not yet credited

A. in the cash book
B. by the bank
C. by the drawer
D. in the ledger
Explanation

Uncredited (or uncleared) cheques are those presented for deposit but not yet processed and credited by the bank. They cause the cash book balance to exceed the bank statement during reconciliation until clearance.

34
Question 34 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Interim dividend paid in a year is

A. debited to the Income Surplus Account / Profit and Loss Appropriation Account
B. credited to the Income Surplus Account / Profit and Loss Appropriation Account
C. debited to the Profit and Loss Account
D. credited to the Profit and Loss Account
Explanation

Interim dividends are appropriations of profit paid during the year, debited to the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account (reducing retained earnings) and credited to dividends payable. They are not direct expenses.

35
Question 35 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

A feature of government accounting is that the

A. fixed assets are depreciated
B. objective is to report profit made by the government
C. accounts are prepared on accrual basis
D. accounts are prepared on cash basis
Explanation

Government accounting often employs the cash basis, recording transactions only when cash is received or paid, to focus on cash flows and budgetary control rather than accrual-based profit measurement.

36
Question 36 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Cost of raw materials available $32,000; Manufacturing wages $10,000; Factory expenses $5,000; Factory rent $3,000; Depreciation of plant and machinery $2,000; Closing stock of raw materials $0. The prime cost is

A. $57,000
B. $45,000
C. $42,000
D. $39,000
Explanation

Prime cost = Direct materials + Direct labor = Raw materials available - Closing stock + Manufacturing wages = $32,000 - $0 + $10,000 = $42,000. It includes only direct production costs, excluding overheads.

37
Question 37 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Cost of raw materials available $32,000; Manufacturing wages $10,000; Factory expenses $5,000; Factory rent $5,000; Depreciation of plant and machinery $2,000; Closing stock of raw materials $0. Factory overhead is

A. $25,000
B. $15,000
C. $12,000
D. $7,000
Explanation

Factory overhead = Indirect manufacturing costs: Factory expenses $5,000 + Factory rent $5,000 + Depreciation $2,000 = $12,000. These are allocated to products via absorption rates to determine full production cost.

38
Question 38 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Capital and Drawings accounts are kept in the

A. general ledger
B. purchases ledger
C. sales ledger
D. private ledger
Explanation

The private ledger contains confidential owner-related accounts like capital and drawings to maintain privacy and organization, with control totals linked to the general ledger.

39
Question 39 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Set-off is carried out in the control account when

A. a business organization has both a customer and a supplier
B. customers refuse to pay their debts
C. the debtors settle their accounts
D. customers' cheques are dishonoured
Explanation

Set-off (or netting) applies when the same entity is both a debtor and creditor; mutual amounts are offset in control accounts, reducing the net balance owed or receivable for efficient settlement.

40
Question 40 of 40
WAEC · Accounting · 2019

Use the following information to answer this question: Debtors balance on 01/01/16: Le2,518; Debtors balance on 31/12/16: Le1,979; Cash received: Le10,000; Discount allowed: Le280; Interest charged to debtors: Le251. The credit sales is

A. Le11,730
B. Le9,490
C. Le2,581
D. Le251
Explanation

From debtors account: Credit sales + Opening debtors + Interest = Cash received + Discount + Closing debtors. Credit sales = Le10,000 + Le280 + Le1,979 - Le2,518 - Le251 = Le9,490. This reconstructs sales from collection data.

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