Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather, record and analyse operating and cost data, prepare budget reports and review costing systems integrity to calculate and record the costs of products and services.
It applies to individuals who use specialised knowledge and analytical skills to manage complex financial data and develop comprehensive organisational reports.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Gather and record operating and cost data | 1.1 Identify and establish systems to generate operating and cost data 1.2 Systematically code, classify and check data for accuracy and reliability in accordance with organisational policy and procedures |
2. Analyse data and assign costs | 2.1 Analyse costs and identify cost behaviour characteristics 2.2 Assign costs to specified products, services and organisational units, and reconcile data to ensure calculations are accurate and comply with organisational procedures 2.3 Ensure interpretation of revenues and costs is supported by valid analysis and is consistent with organisation’s business performance objectives |
3. Prepare cost reports and budgets | 3.1 Obtain cost information advice from all sections of organisation when formulating cost reports and budgets 3.2 Ensure structure and format of budgets are clear and comply with management information requirements and organisational practices |
4. Analyse variances and review costing system integrity | 4.1 Calculate and analyse variances against budget 4.2 Ensure reports are accurate, comprehensive and comply with management information requirements and organisational practices 4.3 Use variance analysis to review effectiveness of cost assignment processes |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
gather and record operating and cost data in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
analyse data and assign costs to products, services and organisational units to comply with organisational procedures
obtain data and prepare a range of cost reports and budgets to meet management information requirements
analyse variances between budgeted and actual data, and review integrity of costing systems.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify and describe cost behaviour characteristics for the different cost elements of a product or service
describe the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and accrual based accounting
identify and discuss the key features of organisational policy and procedures as they apply to costing systems
outline the key management information requirements
identify and explain the key principles and practices of budget preparation
discuss the relationship between variance analysis and costing system integrity
explain the key processes and procedures for recording and securely storing data.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the accounting field of work and include access to:
common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
an integrated financial software system and data.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.2 | Researches and analyses complex system data and documentation to gather and derive reporting information Categorises and classifies information and accurately checks for errors and discrepancies |
Writing | 3.1, 3.2, 4.2 | Clearly structures and formats reports using correct language, terminology and conventions appropriate for purpose |
Oral Communication | 3.1 | Gathers and conveys information and data by consulting with staff, using questioning and active listening and tone and pace appropriate for the audience |
Numeracy | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.3 | Performs calculations using a range of mathematical problem-solving techniques to analyse and compare financial data |
Navigate the world of work | 1.2, 2.1-2.3, 3.2, 4.2 | Establishes systems and monitors and amends outputs to ensure compliance with organisational procedures and requirements |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 4.1-4.3 | Plans, organises and sequences complex workload and activities Applies systematic, analytical processes in making decisions and monitors the outcomes of decisions Uses problem-solving processes to identify and analyse issues with the potential to impact on organisational financial reporting, and to develop and implement options to resolve these issues Uses a range of digital technologies to access, extract and organise complex data |
Sectors
Accounting