Elements and Performance Criteria

Client/company/organisation includes
all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, local governments/councils, private and public companies and residents/ratepayers.

Communication
could be required to be in writing under company/organisational policy.

Company/organisational requirements are found in
access and equity policy, principles and practice
business and performance plans
client and company confidentiality requirements
client service standards
defined resource parameters
duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
emergency and evacuation procedures
induction documentation
insurance policy agreements
legal and organisational policy and procedures including personnel practices and guidelines
OHS policies, procedures and programs
operations manuals
organisational goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
records and information systems and processes
training materials
verbal or written instructions.

Outstanding accounts include
accounts issued for provision of goods and services, and fees for service.

Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following
Australian Standards
environmental regulations
legislative requirements
manufacturers' specifications
organisational procedures
relevant state/territory regulations.

Relevant legislation and codes
cover state and federal accounting practices and codes, industry codes of conduct, Australian Standards and taxation.

System
could be manual or computer-based.

Critical aspects of competency
Ability to accurately identify overdue accounts and negotiate arrangements for payment with debtor.
Continuous monitoring of debtor compliance with payment arrangements, and ensuring further action.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit 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.
Financial policy and procedures
Required accounting procedures
Company accounting and ledger systems
Record-keeping requirements for accounts receivable
Invoicing
Double-entry bookkeeping operation of computer and manual systems
Relevant industry regulations, standards and codes of conduct
Sources of credit status information
Liquidity management
Debt collection
Personal computer applications (including accounting software)
Relevant legislation.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

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

communication including customer service, interpersonal, negotiation, giving information, conflict resolution, gaining feedback
assertiveness
cash handling
financial processing
methodical organisation of work
analysis of financial information
spreadsheeting
Personal computer operation.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

financial recording system
calculator
case studies, if required
communications equipment
relevant codes of practice.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing activities in this field and reviewing the maintenance of credit control. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that the cash flow and financial liquidity plan meets the objectives of the client and that it complies with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of waste requirement to assess competency in the maintenance of credit control.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written audit, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.

Communicating ideas and information
Share and discuss with colleagues, supervisor and/or clients information and ideas with regard to developing an understanding of client expectations and requirements. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collect, analyse and comply with legislative and regulatory information relevant to credit control, as required. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Prioritise and coordinate or sequence work tasks as required to meet company needs. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Provide assistance to team members to maintain credit control. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct mathematical calculations to check credit statements. (1)

Solving problems
Analyse factors that may affect credit control and detail contingencies. (2)

Using technology
Use technology to access client information and conduct credit control (i.e. spreadsheets). (2)