Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to review current organisational improvement programs, contribute to strategic development, develop options for improvement and establish systems to support changes in resources management.
It applies to experienced individuals who use systematic approaches and problem-solving skills to evaluate operational effectiveness and implement change.
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. Review programs | 1.1 Compare program costs and estimates with budget allocations and financial projections 1.2 Analyse impact of revenue, cost and operational changes on program, together with project completion costs plus program objectives and estimate using standard financial analysis and resource management techniques 1.3 Evaluate program outcomes and performance against objectives to identify variations, contingencies and scope for review and development 1.4 Assess financing options, including costs, timeframes and expected returns, against program goals and objectives |
2. Contribute to strategic development | 2.1 Develop long-term financial objectives and resource management objectives to support organisational goals and aims 2.2 Identify trends and environmental factors through consultation and use of standard financial analysis and resource management techniques 2.3 Make realistic assessments of financial and resource management implications of external influencing factors on future objectives and present position 2.4 Evaluate organisational strengths and weaknesses against external relationships and environmental factors |
3. Develop options for improvement | 3.1 Identify causes of variations in projected organisational outcomes, and develop and implement appropriate contingency plans to minimise losses 3.2 Regularly review organisational plans to encompass changes to operational environment and assess factors influencing achievement of objectives 3.3 Identify and evaluate improvement options against organisational weaknesses |
4. Establish systems to support change | 4.1 Ensure strategic reviews monitor program allocations, including analysis of resource management needs, information technology needs and management processes 4.2 Monitor expenditure and revenue items to ensure compliance with budget and variations identified 4.3 Systematically communicate aims and goals of identified changes to staff and personnel using recognised communication processes and techniques 4.4 Ensure information on changes is readily available, and develop procedures and guidelines to promote absorption of changes into organisational practices |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
review programs using standard financial analysis management techniques
contribute to strategic development through development or implementation of strategic plans
develop and document options for improvement
establish systems to support and communicate change.
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:
discuss issues of organisational compliance with legislation
identify and explain the key features of financial legislation relevant to taxable transactions and reporting requirements
compare and contrast financial planning and analysis techniques
outline the key features of recording and information management systems
identify the key principles of:
cost–benefit analysis
internal control, including statutory requirements
resource management.
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
organisational policy and procedures documentation and operational 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 | 1.1-1.4, 4.2 | Critically analyses complex documentation including relevant organisational policy and strategies to identify and consolidate relevant information |
Writing | 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.3, 4.4 | Uses clear language, concepts and terminology to effectively produce a range of written documentation that matches style of writing to the audience and purpose |
Oral Communication | 2.2, 4.3 | Participates effectively in verbal exchanges using active listening and questioning to elicit, convey and clarify information with a wide range of personnel |
Numeracy | 1.1-1.4, 2.2, 2.3 | Access and accurately interprets financial and numerical information embedded in a range of texts and tasks Performs calculations and uses mathematical problem-solving techniques to analyse, compare and evaluate financial data |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.4 | Ensures currency of knowledge relating to legislation, regulations and policies applicable to resource management and professional requirements Develops, implements and reviews strategies to ensure organisational policy, procedures and regulatory requirements are met |
Interact with others | 2.2, 4.3 | Uses collaborative techniques to engage personnel in consultations and negotiations Uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with personnel about changes to systems |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.2-2.4, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.4 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising complex tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes Develops plans for complex activities with strategic implications for the organisation Uses systematic analytical problem-solving processes in complex, routine and non-routine situations, gathering information and identifying and evaluating options against criteria Evaluates effectiveness of systems and processes to inform decisions on how to implement improvements Recognises and anticipates a range of problems, implementing contingency plans when appropriate Uses digital technologies to access, extract and share relevant information to achieve required outcomes |
Sectors
Accounting