- PSPFIN501A - Apply public sector financial policies and processes
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
PSPFIN501A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply public sector financial policies and processes
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
| Qualification | - |
Unit of Competency | PSPFIN501A - Apply public sector financial policies and processes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | This unit covers detailed knowledge of the public sector financial framework, a working knowledge of external requirements and the application of these to work in a specialist finance role in the public sector. It includes identifying and implementing public sector requirements for financial services.In practice, the application of public sector financial policies occurs in the context of other generalist or specialist work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, developing client services, coordinating resources 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. |
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| 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 requirements for financial management |
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| Element: Implement public sector financial management requirements |
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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: PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector PSPGOV502B Develop client services PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage |
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) application of public sector financial policies or processes in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) |
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 delegation manual budget manual/instructions case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying public sector financial policies and 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 applying public sector financial policies and processes, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine application of public sector financial policies or 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 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, procedures, and accounting standards, and providing advice on their interpretation and application adjusting communication to suit different audiences using financial applications for entering data and preparing reports requiring accuracy of expression applying delegations working in accordance with public sector industry benchmarks responding to diversity, including gender and disability accessing information and legislation electronically or in hard copy 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 public sector financial management compliance framework (detailed knowledge) and the relationship of the elements of the framework documents that make up the financial management compliance framework delegations and why the public sector uses them internal controls, mechanisms for internal controls and why these are used separation of duties corporate governance requirements/relationship of financial management compliance framework to organisational structures service level agreements accrual accounting principles ethics/code of conduct 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 italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here. | |
Elements of the public sector financial management compliance framework may include: | Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) financial management Acts and regulations financial administration and audit Acts central agency (such as Treasury) guidelines requirements for: internal controls separation of duties delegations corporate governance service level agreements internal and external reporting risk management |
Delegations are: | functions or powers (under an Act) assigned to others made to specified limits made to specified positions and ex officio, i.e. 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 (ABS) requirements Government Finance Statistics (GFS) requirements corporate planning whole-of-government/agency systems and reporting |
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 as these relate to the organisation are identified, and requirements regarding the application of these are confirmed. | |||
| Delegation requirements relating to work functions throughout the organisation are identified in accordance with the organisation's delegation framework. | |||
| Internal financial control principles and operational mechanisms within the organisation are identified and clarified with senior finance staff. | |||
| Public sector financial policies and procedures relating to the work role and the organisation are located and the requirements of these are identified. | |||
| Financial services are provided in accordance with public sector financial policy and procedures, organisational requirements and industry benchmarks. | |||
| Advice regarding public sector financial policies and procedures and accounting standards is provided in accordance with organisational requirements and limits of responsibility. | |||
| Organisational procedures are developed/reviewed to reflect the requirements of public sector financial policy, guidelines and procedures in accordance with organisational requirements. | |||
| Different levels of delegation are differentiated, work situations are assessed and delegation requirements relating to functions are explained/implemented in accordance with organisational procedures. | |||
| Internal control mechanisms are applied within an organisational context in accordance with organisational policy and procedures and audit requirements. |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PSPFIN501A - Apply public sector financial policies and processes
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Assessment Record Sheet
PSPFIN501A - Apply public sector financial policies and processes
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent
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