Assessor Resource

LGAGOVA608A
Establish an annual budget that supports council's management and operational plans

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 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 establishing, monitoring and revising council's financial plans and budget.

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

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

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

budgeting, financial analysis and cost-benefit analysis

written and verbal communication

presentation, negotiation and consultation

problem solving

Required Knowledge

council's political, social, economic and environmental context

council's strategic or business plans, goals and objectives

council's financial policies, procedures and financial authority limits

relevant local government financial reporting and accounting requirements

Australian accounting standards

financial management principles

existing and potential sources of funding

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

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
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. 
Key financial performance indicators and cost elements are identified and quantified to eliminate or reduce wastage. 
Cost-benefit analyses are prepared for major cost items. 
Budget items are prioritised with department heads in line with council's strategic and operational plans. 
Subgroup budgets are consolidated into a divisional budget in line with divisional priorities. 
Budget is negotiated with council based on cost/ benefit to the council and council requirements. 
Financial resources are allocated as agreed in the operational plan. 
Expenditure management meets the financial accountability requirements of council. 
Expenditure is kept within budget and any potential overruns are identified and budget is renegotiated accordingly. 
Expenditure is authorised within financial authority limits established by council. 
Estimates of costs and benefits are supported by valid, relevant information and include alternative courses of action. 
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. 
Presentation is clear, concise and in an appropriate format. 
Where challenges to the proposal are made, further explanation is given to promote acceptance. 
Financial allocation is continually monitored against council objectives and priorities, ensuring optimum service delivery. 
Reallocation of resources is undertaken in a consultative manner, giving details of rationale for reallocation. 
Unspent resources are consolidated across council's activities for reallocation if and as required. 
Currently accepted and proven financial management principles are applied at all levels of financial transactions. 
Effective and comprehensive methods for discovering alternative or additional sources of funding are employed. 
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. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

LGAGOVA608A - Establish an annual budget that supports council's management and operational plans
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:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

LGAGOVA608A - Establish an annual budget that supports council's management and operational plans

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: