FNSPRT406
Administer powers of attorney or financial administration orders


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out all procedures in accordance with relevant organisational and legal requirements and to ensure that the client’s best interest is upheld at all times when administering powers of attorney or financial administration orders.

It applies to individuals who are proficient administrators in the personal trustee sector. They may identify client assets and liabilities and prepare tax returns and financial statements on behalf of the client.

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. Establish requirements of administrative document

1.1 Examine, previous instructions, legal, administrative and other supporting documents to establish parameters of role

1.2 Confirm instructions contained within documentation and identify any other relevant advisers or stakeholders

1.3 Identify and develop strategies for appropriate action to be taken for special needs and potential conflicts during interactions with client

2. Identify client’s assets and liabilities

2.1 Identify client’s assets and ensure all relevant information and documents are obtained and checked

2.2 Arrange for any real property to be adequately insured and physically secured if required

2.3 Indentify client's liabilities and obtain accurate valuation of assets weighed against liabilities

2.4 Prepare and make a record of a statement of assets and liabilities according to organisational requirements

3. Manage administration requirements

3.1 Determine appropriate actions to undertake documented instructions whilst maintaining client's best interest

3.2 Identify client's financial needs for both income and capital and prepare financial plan and investment strategy with assistance of financial advisers where required

3.3 Ensure that regular and periodic payments are established

3.4 Establish taxation file with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and prepare regular statements of accounts and tax returns or liaise with client’s accountant where relevant

3.5 Establish and maintain ongoing communication channels with client and other relevant advisers or stakeholders

4. Continuously evaluate and review strategies

4.1 Establish and implement ongoing review of financial plan

4.2 Review assets and investment strategy periodically and make appropriate changes

4.3 Provide ongoing management of client’s assets using procedures in accordance with relevant legislative and organisational requirements ensuring that the client's interest is protected

4.4 Confirm that there is certifiable evidence on any request to handover the appointment

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

produce organisational and legislative documents relevant to carrying out instructions of an attorneyship or financial administration order

prepare and interpret financial statements

apply conflict resolution skills to manage client expectations and any special needs

determine appropriate actions to administer the instructions in the client's best interest within parameters of role

review the appropriateness of the financial plan in meeting client's needs.

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:

describe tasks associated with carrying out instructions contained within attorneyship or financial administration orders

explain the factors that must be considered when establishing the client's income and capital needs

describe the different types of potential conflicts and special needs that may arise when interacting with clients including effects on behaviour of different intellectual capacities and mental and physical disabilities

explain the key requirements of relevant legislation and regulations including:

taxation and tax obligations as they relate to the administration of the appointment as attorney or financial administrator

financial services legislation relating to powers of attorney, guardianship and administration

explain products and services offered by personal trustee organisations and fees and charges that apply

describe organisational policies and procedures required when administering powers of attorney or financial administration orders

outline the role, responsibilities and authority of the personal trust officer including:

organisational expectations

limitation of personal authority in giving investment advice

summarise the professional code of conduct, where applicable, in the personal trustee sector

identify the role of, and how and when to contact, internal or external specialists relating to the personal trustee sector.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the personal trustee field of work and include access to:

common office equipment, technology, software and consumables

appropriate legislation and regulations relevant to attorneyship and financial administration orders

organisational reference materials such as policies, procedures, manuals and checklists.

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 language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 4.2, 4.4

Critically analyses documentation from a variety of sources and records and consolidates information to determine requirements

Writing

2.4, 3.2, 3.4

Accurately records information and prepares correspondence and documentation using clear language and organisational formats and protocols

Records outcomes of discussions and makes changes to documentation as required

Oral Communication

1.2, 3.4, 3.5

Articulates clearly using vocabulary suitable to the audience to convey or request information

Uses listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding

Numeracy

2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.2–3.4, 4.2

Performs mathematical calculations to analyse financial information, costs and values

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 2.4, 4.3, 4.4

Takes personal responsibility for following explicit and implicit policies, procedures and legislative requirements

Interact with others

1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5

Uses a range of strategies to establish a sense of connection and build rapport with clients and co-workers

Identifies and explores differences in a diverse range of people in the work context and makes adjustments to communication in recognition of these differences

Recognises behaviours and triggers that contribute to conflict and implements strategies to moderate conflict

Get the work done

1.1–1.3, 2.4, 3.1–3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes

Makes routine decisions and implements standard procedures for routine tasks using formal decision-making processes for more complex and non-routine situations

Uses digital systems and technologies to enter, store or access information


Sectors

Personal trustee