FNSPRT302A
Administer a non-complex estate

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to administer a non-complex estate including proving the will, confirming assets and entitlements and distributing the estate assets.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit applies to administrative job roles in the personal trustee industry.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Initiate the process of proving the will of the non-complex estate

1.1. Estate file is opened promptly at time of notification of client's death

1.2. Preliminary reading of the will is undertaken to establish parameters and instructions previously given

2. Prove the will

2.1. Identification of formal administration of estate is obtained where required

2.2. If required, a notice of intention to apply for probate is advertised and probate documents are prepared or their preparation arranged

2.3. Probate documents are executed or their execution arranged

3. Identify assets and liabilities and confirm beneficiaries

3.1. The existence and value of assets specifically dealt with in the will are established

3.2. If required, more complex issues are identified and appropriate action based on the administrator's skills and experience are taken

3.3. Creditors are sought through statutory advertising notices and accurate statements of assets and liabilities prepared

3.4. Beneficiaries are located and their identity established

4. Collect assets and confirm entitlement

4.1. Liquid assets are collected and deposited into appropriate funds with cash receipted according to organisational requirements

4.2. All creditors and administration costs are paid

4.3. Schedule of beneficiaries and their entitlements is prepared and approved

5. Distribute and finalise estate

5.1. If required, arrangements are made for final tax return to be prepared and lodged with Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

5.2. Corpus commission is calculated and charged and final fees and charges determined

5.3. Final distribution cheques and final statements are prepared and sent to beneficiaries

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

determine and confirm work requirements, using questioning and active listening as required

provide customer service

liaise with others, share information, listen and understand

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

research and analysis skills for accessing, interpreting and managing information

interpersonal skills to establish rapport with clients

IT skills for accessing and using appropriate systems and databases and using internet information

literacy skills to:

read and interpret documentation from a variety of sources

prepare documentation

record, consolidate and file information

administrative and organisational skills, including the ability to plan and sequence work

Required knowledge

relevant State and Territory legislation and regulations relating to:

wills

intestacies

probate and administration

trusteeships

basic federal legislation and regulations including:

Income Tax Assessment Act

the professional code of conduct in the personal trustee industry including:

ethics

integrity

professionalism

confidentiality

techniques for contacting key organisational personnel with expertise in specialised areas relating to the personal trustee industry

organisational policies and procedures required in the full range of tasks covered

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

assist clients in administering non-complex estates

apply appropriate customer services strategies

prepare and interpret simple financial statements and perform financial calculations

apply basic investigation skills including genealogical research.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

competency is demonstrated in the context of the financial services work environment and conditions specified in the range statement either in a relevant workplace or a closely simulated work environment

access to and the use of a range of common office equipment, technology, software and consumables

access to the internet for searches.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples, in combination, are appropriate for this unit:

evaluating an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for the unit or a cluster of related units of competency

verbal or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills

evaluating samples of work

accessing and validating third party reports.

Guidance information for assessment


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Probate documents include:

the will

death certificate

application for probate

list of assets and liabilities.

More complex issues may include:

companies

family trusts

international and interstate assets and liabilities

partnerships

pastoral properties

other unusual requests or circumstances.

Appropriate action may include:

additional research

input from a supervisor

redistributing the responsibility of the estate to a senior level person within the organisation

working with internal or external contacts with the needed area of expertise.


Sectors

Unit sector

Personal trustee


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.