Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What might make up the group in this standard?
Local group working within a program or a number of local groups working together for the purpose of completing the project. Groups may be incorporated or unincorporated according to the program requirements.

How may a project be described in this standard?
Separate project activity funded under program for specific purposes which may require separate accounts and accounting records. Regular reporting may be required on project basis.

What could be included in the program?
Commonwealth Government community programs under the Natural Heritage Trust, Rural Industry Programs, Business Programs and State Government community programs related to the environment.

How might records of group contributions be included?
Formally as part of project or accounting records, recorded by project supervisors or by group members, and would meet requirements of program and contract for accuracy and ability to be audited.

What accounting records would be required?
Those established by the group and those that meet program and contract requirements. Separate sub-accounts and bank accounts for project may be required.

What does the audit cover?
Completed by a person who is external to group according to the program guidelines and contract, assurance that the person had the appropriate qualifications for the project requirements, and covers management and security of funds, and ethical issues such as conflict of interest.

How is the value of contribution estimated?
According to program guidelines and contract, and may include fixed rates or current commercial rates and value of trainees where included in project.

What acquittal format may be included?
In a format defined by agency or contract or program guidelines, and conforms to requirements for accounting audit.

Which agencies might be relevant?
Commonwealth, State or Territory department or statutory body managing a program.

What levels of literacy are included?
Interpretation of contracts and guidelines, understanding of financial reports and reporting procedures, review, analysis and collation of transactions, financial and supporting data, and development of framework and text for report.

What forms of communication may be relevant?
Consultation with group committee, stakeholders, agency and representatives, and explanation of financial requirements and reports.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in preparing project acquittal requires evidence that a project has been properly acquitted according to community and agency guidelines and best practice procedures. The skills and knowledge required to prepare project acquittal must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different projects, community groups, reporting formats and agencies.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Program objectives and guidelines.
Group procedures and recording, including group management and committee procedures.
Project background, processes and outcomes.
Agency procedures.
Basic financial reporting format and procedures.
Knowledge of capability of word processing and spreadsheet packages.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Research through records.
Collate financial and quantitative information.
Develop report framework to suit requirements.
Prepare report text within framework.
Implement consultation processes to obtain information and obtain consensus on report.
Use word processing and spreadsheet packages.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By discussing verbally or in writing a project acquittal with managers and others. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Preparing a project acquittal will require detailed information to be collected, analysed and organised by research and consultation. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In accordance with project guidelines issued by funding body, agreement and/or management committee. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Preparing a project acquittal will require coordination of self and others in a team. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques relating to finance and budgets can be applied. (2)

Solving problems
During project acquittal preparation, technical and organisational problems may arise requiring innovative solutions. (2)

Using technology
Accounting software technology may be required. (2)