PUAFIR505B
Administer cost centre's financial resources

This unit covers the competency required to prepare budget estimates and to administer and report on the budget’s performance. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application

This unit applies to personnel required to manage the financial resources for a designated area of responsibility. A designated area of responsibility may include a region, brigade or a business unit, or a project involving the use and management of financial resources.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare capital and recurrent budget estimates

1.1 Capital and recurrent budget estimate is prepared to ensure that the necessary funds to operate a cost centre for its budgetary period are accurately determined.

1.2 Budget details and supporting evidence are prepared and submitted in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.3 Budget review process is participated in to comply with organisational priorities.

2. Administer financial budget

2.1 Budget is administered according to financial policies to ensure effective resource usage.

2.2 Financial information is regularly analysed and reported on and actions are taken to achieve planned outcomes.

2.3 Expenditure is monitored and evaluated on a regular basis.

3. Manage forward planning activities

3.1 Short- and long-term resource availability in relation to forward planning for staffing, plant, equipment and appliances is continuously monitored.

3.2 Comprehensive planning processes for activities and projects are adhered to.

3.3 Plans are regularly updated to incorporate changing circumstances.

3.4 Expenditure on new projects and initiatives is proposed, justified and negotiated.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

estimate expenditure and capital requirements for the work group

prepare a budget performance report

prepare a work group budget

Required Knowledge

budget development process

content and format of a performance report

elements of a budget

limitations of budgets

purpose and function of budgets

purpose of a performance report

types and formats of budgets

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

prepare a budget for a work group

prepare a performance report for a budget

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and in a range of contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed on-the-job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment

There are no specific resource requirements for this unit.

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions


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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Budget may include:

budget expenditures – routine or recurrent expenditure

capital and budget estimates developed within organisational guidelines and directives

evaluation of planning activities – within the ranges set by predetermined performance indicators

financial budget administration – organisational budgetary policies and procedures

maintenance projects

municipal costs

new minor projects or minor works

ongoing costs

recurring expenses (such as salary and wages)

stationery and stores


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.