ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assist in audit planning

1.1 The audit objectives, scope and focus are identified.

1.2 Relevant operational and information systems in the audit context are identified.

1.3 Audit team roles and key audit techniques are identified.

1.4 An audit plan is prepared that meets organisational requirements and the objectives of the audit.

1.5 Audit documentation is prepared according to organisational policies and guidelines.

1.6 Pre-audit communication is conducted with the client to be audited in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2. Undertake preliminary activities

2.1 Concepts, systems and reports relevant to the audit are identified.

2.2 Analytical checks are performed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2.3 Initial assessment is made, and considered to ensure it is appropriate and accurate.

2.4 Appropriate and significant controls are identified and control tests are designed.

2.5 Risk assessment activities are undertaken to determine risks and risk treatments necessary.

3. Undertake audit activity as a member of a team

3.1 Sampling techniques are identified to suit audit requirements and are applied according to established procedures.

3.2 Controls are tested and assessed in accordance with the audit plan.

3.3 Substantive testing is conducted.

3.4 Technology is selected and used in line with audit requirements.

3.5 Audit documentation and working papers are prepared according to the established format.

4. Deal with audit issues

4.1 Situations requiring specialist input are identified and referred for action.

4.2 Situations requiring referral to other areas are identified and referred in a timely manner.

4.3 Issues which arise during the audit are dealt with in a professional manner in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

5. Contribute to the reporting and presentation of audit findings

5.1 Audit reports are prepared in the approved format.

5.2 Discussions with the client on audit findings are conducted in a professional manner.

5.3 Internal reports are prepared in the required style and format.

5.4 Final recommendations on action are made according to organisational policies and guidelines, and in a timely manner.

5.5 Responses to audit recommendations are received and the audit is finalised in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

5.6 Audit findings are recorded in information management systems in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

identifying problems and solutions

using decision making using sound judgment

undertaking research and analysis

evaluating conflicting requirements

using negotiation and conflict resolution techniques

engaging in teamwork

using a range of techniques communication including interviewing, listening, briefing, de-briefing, presentation (including co-presentations) and intra-team communication

adjusting communication to suit different audiences

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

writing ongoing and final reports, and official correspondence

using scanning techniques

reading complex and formal documents such as legislation and accounting and other company documents

using information technology for preparing written advice and reports requiring precision of expression

applying occupational health and safety and environmental legislation and procedures in the context of undertaking compliance audits

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

knowledge of principal and allied legislation, policies and procedures including aspects of criminal law and administrative law relating to the outcomes of compliance audits

principles of auditing as detailed in organisational policies

duties and responsibilities of auditors

testing procedures and methods of inquiry

industry knowledge

requirements for security of documents and information

procedures for declaring conflicts of interest

protocols for reporting fraud, corruption and maladministration

fundamental ethical principles in the handling of documents and information, natural justice, procedural fairness, respect for persons and responsible care

other ethics standards such as professional standards

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector values/ethics and code of conduct

public sector legislation including occupational health and safety and environment relating to compliance audits

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

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

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in undertaking compliance audits as a member of a team.

This will include evidence of:

• undertaking at least three actual or simulated compliance audits on three separate occasions or for three different situations/contexts.

• adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to compliance auditing

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while undertaking compliance audits, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.

Access is required to resources such as:

applicable legislation, policies and procedures

audit documentation

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered

equipment and resources generally found in an operational audit environment

Method of assessment

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit of competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

written or oral questions

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Audit objectives should include:

assessing the level of the client's compliance with legislative requirements

assessing the adequacy/effectiveness of the client's internal controls

structure

helping to improve the auditee's future compliance

Operational and information systems may include:

file records

audit history records

registry files

sources, records of auditee information

intelligence systems

Audit techniques may include:

comprehensive

focused

transaction audits

those based on national standards setting body guidelines

Audit planning includes:

research

objectives

scope

focus

coverage of the audit

Audit documentation consists of:

working papers

records

documenting the company's systems

control and potential error matrix and audit reporting

Concepts may include:

accounting concepts

concepts relating to subject of the audit, such as leasehold land condition, contract conditions, lease arrangements, product information, etc

Guidelines may include:

business rules

Analytical checks may include:

trends in costs and payments

trends in quantity/values of products/services

ratio of input to output

actual business practice versus legislation, contract conditions or business rules

Initial assessment may include:

pre-audit research

document reviews

desk audit activities

Risks may be:

low

medium

high

Sampling techniques may include:

substantive testing based on:

audit methodology

sampling methodology based on the size of the audit

inspections

Controls may include:

control and potential error matrix

preliminary control assessment

control evaluation using matrices

identifying reliance on computer controls

Technology may include:

IT software packages such as:

TeamMate

Flowcharter

Feedbak

Word

Excel

Professional manner includes:

using appropriate communication skills

protocols and ethical client-centred behaviour that preserves the image of the organisation

Recommended actions may be one or more of the following:

prosecution

legal cation on breaches

sanctions

improvement notices

client advice and education

leverage

industry campaigns

referral to another area or organisation

prepare evidence relating to alleged breaches