Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant sources of information may include:
bank statements
cheques
credit notes
delivery dockets
deposit books
information from open file
invoices and receipts
monies received into the trust account
petty cash book
petty cash vouchers
purchase requisitions and orders
transactions on the trust account.
Disbursements may include:
cost of duty stamps
court costs
filing fees
photocopying
postage
telephone charges.
Organisation's policies and procedures may include:
accessing accounting system
bank procedures and policies
following up discrepancies and irregularities
handling monies
information sources
keeping records of disbursements
legal bookkeeping
liaising with financial institutions
notifying client when further funds are required
recording information
reporting to state law society/institute as required by law
security, confidentiality and privacy procedures
specific arrangements with banks as they apply to trust accounts
verifying and authorising information.






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EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
comply with organisation's trust accounting procedures, and legislative and regulatory requirements
demonstrate honesty, integrity and accuracy in calculations and reconciliations
prepare accurate and compliant documentation
apply knowledge of codes of practice
resolve or appropriately refer discrepancies and irregularities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
an actual workplace or simulated environment
workplace manuals and reference materials, such as company policies, procedural manuals and checklists
list of relevant sources of documentation and sample forms
background information on courts, their jurisdiction and behavioural requirements
appropriate technology, such as computers with relevant software
appropriate texts and people with expert knowledge, such as legal practitioners
appropriate legislation and regulations relevant to common legal matters.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:
analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
review of completed requisition form
review of records of file-related disbursements and costs
evaluation of reconciled trust account monies
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of trust accounting principles and practices, within the limits of own responsibilities.

Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.