Assessor Resource

LGACOM503B
Prepare a budget

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.

This unit covers the development and finalisation of a budget. The unit is appropriate for council staff responsible for the preparation of budgets in their capacity as supervisors, departmental managers or project managers.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

This unit requires the preparation of budgets with particular demonstration of:

budget development in accordance with established financial and accounting standards and council policies, procedures and time lines

effective and efficient operations as a result of the budget preparation.

Context of assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including the Range of Variables applicable to the workplace 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

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

relevant financial and accounting standards

council policies and procedures

financial data

relevant computer software.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

negotiation with internal and external customers

report presentation

financial analysis and research

interpretation

consultation in a culturally diverse workforce.

Required Knowledge

relevant financial and accounting standards

council policies and procedures

budget processes and procedures

relevant computer software

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.

Budget may include:

departmental budget

budget for a particular service or project

operational income and expenditure

strategic and management plan objectives

cash flow management

asset replacement

asset sales

entrepreneurial ventures and available revenue sources

Relevant people may include:

public, when budget is made available for public comment

other council staff

Data may include:

previous budget

employee costs

overhead costs

council policy

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
he draft budget is clear and accurate and presented in an appropriate format. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Data required for budget preparation is identified and accessed. 
Previous budgets and the financial implications of council's current activities and plans are analysed and evaluated. 
Relevant people are consulted and given the opportunity to contribute to the budget planning process. 
Possible changes of circumstance that will impact on the budget are identified. 
Any anomalies in the information received are checked with the appropriate person. 
Estimates of costs and benefits are made that are supported by valid and relevant information. 
Assessments of alternative courses of action are considered in making the final recommendations. 
Appropriate members of staff are encouraged to contribute to the recommendations. 
The net benefits likely to be achieved from the expenditure are clearly indicated. 
Possible future variations in levels of activity are taken into account. 
Recommendations are presented clearly, concisely and in an appropriate format. 
Where challenges to the proposal are made, further explanation is given to promote acceptance. 
Estimates are compared with actual costs and benefits and used to improve future calculations. 
Effective and comprehensive methods for discovering alternative or additional sources of funding or income are employed. 
Sources of funding or income are assessed to ensure they comply with council objectives and policies. 
Management/council approval for funding submission or income-generating activity is obtained where necessary. 
Funding proposals are prepared and submitted. 
The draft budget is prepared to accurately reflect the financial requirements of the department, service or council. 
he draft budget is clear and accurate and presented in an appropriate format. 
Income and expenditure estimates are clearly identified and are supported by valid, reliable and relevant information. 
The draft budget is prepared consistent with council objectives and ensures the efficient and effective operation of council in the short, medium and long term. 
The draft budget is completed within required time frame. 
The draft budget is circulated to appropriate people for comment. 
Comments on draft budget are considered and relevant people are advised of implications. 
Required modifications to draft budget are agreed and incorporated. 
Proposed budget is completed in required format within required time frame. 
Proposed budget is negotiated through appropriate budgetary meeting. 
Relevant people are informed of budget requirements in a timely and accurate manner. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

LGACOM503B - Prepare a budget
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

LGACOM503B - Prepare a budget

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: