FNSFPL616
Implement financial plans


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a financial plan and successfully present it to an authorised representative. It involves establishing the actions, timings and priorities needed to implement and monitor or supervise the implementation of financial plan actions.

The unit applies to those experienced in the financial planning industry who use specialised knowledge, systematic processes and managerial techniques to complete complex work and to manage relationships. The implementation of financial plans will be through authorised representatives, including financial advisers, or from shareholders, financial organisations, stockbrokers, trustees, agents and intermediaries.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Users are advised to check with the relevant state and territory regulatory authorities to confirm those 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. Establish actions, timings and priorities needed to implement financial plan

1.1 Identify and source financial plan to be implemented

1.2 Review special features of client situation for implementation implications

1.3 Establish implementation actions and confirm they are consistent with client needs and objectives, and prioritise specifications and timings for each action to be implemented

1.4 Explain implementation actions to authorised representative and obtain written agreement to actions

1.5 Establish implementation diary and other required records according to organisational policies and procedures

2. Establish procedures for implementing financial plan

2.1 Identify and brief required personnel to implement each action in financial plan

2.2 Identify and meet internal and external communication and documentation requirements

2.3 Coordinate implementation actions that depend on and involve actions by other professionals

2.4 Establish audit trails and monitoring procedures for critical implementation timings and priorities

3. Undertake and/or supervise implementation of actions associated with financial plan

3.1 Ensure authorised representative provides client with information on actions they must undertake

3.2 Confirm authorised representative issues instructions to required internal and external personnel as per financial plan requirements

3.3 Maintain consultation and monitoring with internal and external stakeholders where joint implementation action is required

3.4 Check and follow up lodgement of documentation to ensure plan timings are met

3.5 Obtain fees and charges, and process according to organisational and legislative requirements

3.6 Seek and integrate feedback on implemented actions from relevant stakeholders

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

implement one different financial plan in at least three of the following practice areas:

aged care

direct investments

estate planning

life insurance

managed investments

retirement planning

social securities

superannuation

taxation.

In the course of the above, the candidate must:

present each plan to client’s authorised representative, explaining required implementation actions and obtaining agreement to the actions

complete documentation and establish relevant audit trails of records and data using applicable technology and software.


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

legislative requirements relating to implementing financial plans, including:

corporations and consumer legislation

relevant financial legislation

government financial and superannuation policy

organisational policies and procedures relating to implementing financial plans

common methods of presenting financial data and documenting financial plans

types and key features of financial products and markets relating to implementing financial plans, including banks and other authorised representatives

special features of client situation that have implications when implementing financial plans, including:

complex estate planning issues

complex taxation

unusual or infrequent income and expenditure

high asset

legal issues

roles and responsibilities of other professionals involved in implementing financial plans, including of accountants and lawyers.


Assessment Conditions

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.

This includes access to:

organisational equipment, technology and software.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

SKILL

DESCRIPTION

Learning

Maintains knowledge of compliance legislation and regulatory environment necessary to perform role

Numeracy

Uses mathematical equations to perform calculations and check accuracy of fees and financial data

Analyses, records and stores complex financial data and information

Oral communication

Participates in verbal exchanges, choosing relevant language to explain complex concepts to audiences

Uses active listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding

Reading

Researches and manages information and products to determine currency, accuracy and appropriateness to client needs

Consolidates and evaluates information from a range of sources to form a holistic perspective of complex situations and to identify implications

Writing

Completes documentation following organisational procedures and protocols

Uses clear language, relevant terminology and correct spelling and grammar to convey information to a range of stakeholders

Teamwork

Selects and uses relevant conventions and protocols when communicating with internal and external stakeholders to provide or seek information

Uses collaboration techniques to build trust and encourage stakeholders to voice concerns

Adapts personal communication style to show respect for the opinions, values and needs of others

Planning and organising

Plans, sequences and implements processes and tasks to meet legislative, organisational and client requirements

Problem solving

Systematically evaluates complex information to make informed decisions about relevant services

Technology

Uses the main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks


Sectors

Financial planning