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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify council operations subject to controls
   • Council operations are reviewed and control systems are identified.
   • Existing control systems are researched and examined for effectiveness against known or perceived risks.
   • Examples of control from other sources are examined and assessed for applicability to the council/authority.
2. Follow optimum control standards
   • Organisational plans are monitored to ensure goals and objectives are adequately met by business practices.
   • Financial management systems and practices are researched to ensure that they comply with audit procedures, accounting standards and identified levels of risk.
   • Management practice emphasises accountability of staff and office bearers with regard to systems, procedures and transactions.
3. Maintain control over council's assets
   • Decisions about assets, purchases and disposals are made in accordance with current plans, budgets and guidelines.
   • The council or authority's assets are recorded in accordance with recognised accounting procedures.
   • Clear guidelines regarding the appropriate use of assets are documented and made known to employees and councillors.
   • Security of assets is supported by appropriate insurance and physical and systems controls.
   • All aspects of asset usage and recording are subject to audit control and are monitored by management.
4. Measure performance and compare with standards
   • Performance reporting is undertaken to establish progress against goals and objectives.
   • Tender and contract management is informed by specialist or legal advice and risk management analysis.
   • Work practices are monitored by routine reporting to establish whether current practices meet or exceed the demands of community stakeholders and ethical standards.
   • Opportunities for improvement are identified, documented, recommended for action and prioritised to ensure responsible and efficient usage of resources.
5. Account for discrepancies and recognise good performance
   • Theft, loss and damage are noted and reported to appropriate authority for investigation and prosecution.
   • Claims against insurance policies are undertaken as appropriate for theft, damage or loss.
   • Good performance resulting in savings or efficiencies is recognised and reinforced by management.
   • Repairs are effected and inoperable assets or facilities are removed from public access.
6. Implement risk management procedures
   • Operating liabilities are scrutinised through regular review, incident reporting and management scrutiny of contemporary standards of best practice.
   • Issues where shifting community, business, government or social standards may expose the council or authority to risk of litigation are identified for discussion, resolution and strategic response.
   • Risk management processes are supported and reinforced at all levels of council.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

strategic management skills ability to use control systems analysis and interpretation of data risk management skills

Required Knowledge

understanding of financial management and accounting skills audit practices budget processes accrual accounting councils control systems issues of accountability and the separation of executive and managerial powers legislation affecting the local government sector insurance issues including current insurance developments and impact on public facility usage contemporary liability issues implementation of control policies

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Evidence Required

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	Importance of establishing and maintaining a good system of internal control is identified Processes for recording and controlling transactions are monitored Councillors roles in maintaining the internal control system are clarified Accounting and asset management policies are identified developed and implemented
Context of assessment	In the workplace or a simulated work environment possibly supported by classroom delivery including remote or online Assessment may encompass multiple elements in the workplace and utilise roleplays oral questioning case studies short exercises including multiple choice practical demonstrations and group activities in simulated environments It is anticipated that a complete assessment would involve observation of performance in the role of councillor or a similar representative role
Relationship to other unitsprerequisite or corequisite units	Prerequisite units nil Corequisite units nil
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 andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding completion of workplace documentation thirdparty reports from experienced practitioners completion of selfpaced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance	Evidence will need to be gathered over time across a range of variables
Resource implications	Access to a workplace simulated environment or case studies including legislation and standards of practice including accounting standards protocols policies and procedures representative issues and incidents reflecting council responsibility Assessment and training may need to be conducted out of standard business hours

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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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Systems may include:	financial management documentation cash management signatory powers contract management emergency and critical incident response community safety premises security asset security, asset register and depreciation schedule records data and document security privacy issues and policies road, footpath, access way and public facility security occupational health and safety systems, including recording and response strategies environmental and sustainability policies and practices insurances, including property, personnel and workers compensation quality controls, including management by exception.
Security of assets may include:	physical and strategic control of premises, including: equipment parks storage fuel depots workshops maintenance facilities vehicles heavy equipment bulk materials storage tools of trade plant nurseries public facilities child and aged care facilities recreational facilities computer equipment and databases street signage parking equipment and meters.
Guidelines may include:	relevant legislation.
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