• PSPFIN401A - Use public sector financial processes

Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PSPFIN401A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Use public sector financial processes

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPFIN401A - Use public sector financial processes
Description This unit covers basic knowledge of the public sector financial framework and its application to routine financial processes by staff working in a non-specialist finance role but with responsibility for financial duties/processes. It includes identifying and implementing public sector financial requirements related to the work role.In practice, using public sector financial processes occurs in the context of other generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, compliance with legislation, delivering and monitoring client services, gathering and analysing information etc.This is a new unit of competency, added to the Financial Services Competency field of the Training Package in 2004.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Financial Services.
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Identify public sector financial requirements
  • The elements of the public sector financial management compliance framework relating to the work role are identified and organisational requirements relating to the application of these elements are confirmed.
  • Delegation requirements relating to work functions are identified in accordance with the organisation's delegation framework.
  • Internal financial controls and separation of duties relating to the business unit are identified and the implications of these for the work role are identified and clarified with senior staff.
  • Public sector financial policies and procedures supporting the work role are located and their requirements are identified.
       
Element: Implement public sector financial requirements
  • Financial processes are carried out and recorded in accordance with public sector financial policy and procedures and organisational requirements.
  • Different levels of delegations are differentiated and delegation requirements relating to work functions are implemented in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • Internal controls are applied in the work area in accordance with organisational policy and procedures and audit requirements.
       


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.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

using public sector financial processes in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time), for example:

application of a range of (3 or more) public sector financial processes that have different associated policies, controls or delegations

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

public sector and organisational financial procedures and protocols

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to public sector financial management compliance framework

organisation's delegation framework

financial management practice guidelines

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when using public sector financial processes

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when using financial processes, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

use of public sector financial processes in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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 section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading complex and formal documents such as legislation, policies and processes, and applying them to work practices

adjusting communication to suit different audiences

entering data and preparing reports requiring precision of expression

applying delegations

accessing information and legislation electronically or in hard copy

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying environmental and occupational health and safety procedures relating to working in the public sector

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, policies and processes relating to public sector finance

basic knowledge of the public sector financial management compliance framework and its elements

documents that make up the financial framework

public sector delegations related to the work function

internal controls and separation of duties

corporate governance requirements/relationship of the financial management compliance framework to organisational structures

ethics/codes of conduct

financial application software

basic accounting principles related to the work function

legislation related to work in the public sector such as environmental and occupational health and safety requirements

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Elements of the public sector financial management compliance framework may include:

legislation

central agency requirements (such as Treasury or Department of Finance and Administration instructions)

organisational requirements identified in financial management and delegations guidelines and procedures

awareness of government organisational structures, such as the relationship between Parliament, government, agencies, boards of management, directors, etc

Delegations are:

functions or powers (under an Act) assigned to others

made to specified limits

made to specified positions and ex officio, ie not to specific people but to particular positions

Public sector financial policies and procedures may include:

financial management Acts and regulations

financial administration and audit Acts

public sector finance standards

financial management benchmarking studies

the organisation's:

financial management

delegations

budget guidelines/instructions

style requirements

quality requirements

government financial policy statements and guidelines

Australian Accounting Standards

Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP)

Australian Bureau of Statistics requirements

Government Finance Statistics (GFS) requirements

corporate planning

whole-of-government/agency systems and reporting

Financial processes may include:

day-to-day financial processes

budget processes

budget financial reporting

cash flow management

end-of-month and end-of-year processes

Recording financial processes requires:

use of technology - financial applications

data entry

preparing reports

Internal controls should:

identify, record and measure income, expenditure, assets, liabilities and equity

ensure separation of duties

ensure procedures are properly described

incorporate other key organisations' guidelines such as banker's terms and conditions, guidelines for use of high risk equipment like EFTPOS and debit and credit transactions

ensure all revenues are received

ensure assets are safeguarded and efficiently and effectively used so as to avoid waste, extravagance, misuse and loss

ensure liabilities are not incurred without proper authority

ensure correct valuation, cut-off, presentation and disclosure of financial balances and transactions

include contingency plans

be linked to the organisation's risk management strategy

be established to accord with the organisation's delegation framework

be cost effective

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 elements of the public sector financial management compliance framework relating to the work role are identified and organisational requirements relating to the application of these elements are confirmed. 
Delegation requirements relating to work functions are identified in accordance with the organisation's delegation framework. 
Internal financial controls and separation of duties relating to the business unit are identified and the implications of these for the work role are identified and clarified with senior staff. 
Public sector financial policies and procedures supporting the work role are located and their requirements are identified. 
Financial processes are carried out and recorded in accordance with public sector financial policy and procedures and organisational requirements. 
Different levels of delegations are differentiated and delegation requirements relating to work functions are implemented in accordance with organisational procedures. 
Internal controls are applied in the work area in accordance with organisational policy and procedures and audit requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPFIN401A - Use public sector financial processes
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

PSPFIN401A - Use public sector financial processes

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: