Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:47 PM AWST
22/07/2026 12:47 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Establish an annual budget that supports council's management and operational plans
Establish an annual budget that supports council's management and operational plans
Unit of competency
National Code
LGAGOVA608A
LGAGOVA608A
State Code
C3817
C3817
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/05/2004
Field of Education
080101 - Accounting
Original Release Date
18/05/2004
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers establishing, monitoring and revising council's financial plans and budget.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Develop council's financial plans
- 1.1 The achievement of council's goals and objectives are supported by financial plans that meet the requirements of strategic or operational plans, ensure effective operation of council and reflect council's priorities and revenue policies.
- 1.2 Key financial performance indicators and cost elements are identified and quantified to eliminate or reduce wastage.
- 1.3 Cost-benefit analyses are prepared for major cost items.
2 Negotiate budgets with divisions and work groups
- 2.1 Budget items are prioritised with department heads in line with council's strategic and operational plans.
- 2.2 Subgroup budgets are consolidated into a divisional budget in line with divisional priorities.
- 2.3 Budget is negotiated with council based on cost/ benefit to the council and council requirements.
3 Allocate, approve and show accountability for expenditure
- 3.1 Financial resources are allocated as agreed in the operational plan.
- 3.2 Expenditure management meets the financial accountability requirements of council.
- 3.3 Expenditure is kept within budget and any potential overruns are identified and budget is renegotiated accordingly.
- 3.4 Expenditure is authorised within financial authority limits established by council.
4 Justify proposals for expenditure to council
- 4.1 Estimates of costs and benefits are supported by valid, relevant information and include alternative courses of action.
- 4.2 The net benefits over time likely to be achieved from the expenditure are clearly indicated in recommendations, and future variation in levels of activity is taken into account.
- 4.3 Presentation is clear, concise and in an appropriate format.
- 4.4 Where challenges to the proposal are made, further explanation is given to promote acceptance.
5 Monitor and revise priorities for financial resource allocation
- 5.1 Financial allocation is continually monitored against council objectives and priorities, ensuring optimum service delivery.
- 5.2 Reallocation of resources is undertaken in a consultative manner, giving details of rationale for reallocation.
- 5.3 Unspent resources are consolidated across council's activities for reallocation if and as required.
- 5.4 Currently accepted and proven financial management principles are applied at all levels of financial transactions.
6 Seek out alternative or additional financial opportunities
- 6.1 Effective and comprehensive methods for discovering alternative or additional sources of funding are employed.
- 6.2 Further sources of funding are identified and evaluated against current funding sources and selected where they better meet requirements of council plans, strategies and ventures.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Financial plans may include:
asset replacement
asset sales
operational expenditure
corporate plan objectives
cash flow
management and borrowing
entrepreneurial ventures
rating strategies
Financial plans may include:
asset replacement
asset sales
operational expenditure
corporate plan objectives
cash flow
management and borrowing
entrepreneurial ventures
rating strategies
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Developing effective, workable budgets within organisational and financial constraints.
Ongoing and effective monitoring of budget.
Basing adjustments to financial plans/budget on accurate and defensible cost-benefit information and designing them to improve financial performance and position of council.
Context of assessment
May be undertaken on the job or in a simulated work environment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Consistent evidence across a range of activities involved in annual budgetary cycle.
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:
relevant council documents such as strategic and operational plans upon which budget will be based
relevant local government financial reporting and accounting requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Developing effective, workable budgets within organisational and financial constraints.
Ongoing and effective monitoring of budget.
Basing adjustments to financial plans/budget on accurate and defensible cost-benefit information and designing them to improve financial performance and position of council.
Context of assessment
May be undertaken on the job or in a simulated work environment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Consistent evidence across a range of activities involved in annual budgetary cycle.
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:
relevant council documents such as strategic and operational plans upon which budget will be based
relevant local government financial reporting and accounting requirements
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C297 | LGA60100 | Advanced Diploma of Local Government (Governance and Administration) | Qualification |