Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Control costs.

1.1.Implement effective cost reduction measures, according to company policy and procedures.

1.2.Assess and interpret information on costs and resource allocation.

1.3.Encourage team members actively to control costs in their areas of responsibility.

1.4.Implement recommendations promptly for improving cost reduction or communicate to relevant personnel.

2. Control budget.

2.1.Monitor and maintain expenditure within budget targets according to business policy.

2.2.Compare actual income and expenditure to budget targets at regular intervals according to business policy.

2.3.Analyse gross profit and loss figures by business areas and compare with budget targets.

2.4.Monitor net profit figures and report according to budget targets.

2.5.Inform relevant personnel promptly where potential occurs for budget under or overspend.

2.6.Take prompt corrective action where significant deviations from budget occur.

2.7.Negotiate necessary changes to agreed budget allocations in advance of requirement.

2.8.Authorise modifications to existing budgets according to business policy.

3. Propose expenditure.

3.1.Ensure estimates of costs and benefits are supported by valid, relevant information.

3.2.Ensure final recommendations are supported by realistic alternatives and contain accurate, clear proposals.

3.3.Ensure recommendations clearly indicate net benefits over designated timeframe and related changes in operations.

3.4.Clarify contentious issues by further explanation.

3.5.Compare estimates to actual costs and benefits to improve future proposals.

4. Maintain business accounting systems.

4.1.Manage and maintain business policy and procedures in regard to record-keeping systems.

4.2.Monitor and maintain business systems for recording sales figures, revenue and expenditure.

4.3.Monitor and maintain systems for recording and retrieving financial, personnel and payroll information as required by business policy and relevant legislation.

5. Prepare business sales budgets.

5.1.Observe business policy and procedures in regard to preparation of budget or target figures.

5.2.Compare, analyse, document and report budget and accurate sales revenue and expenditure figures, according to budget targets and business policy.

5.3.Maintain accurate records on past sales budgets or targets according to business policy.

5.4.Present proposed budgets or targets accurately and concisely.

5.5.Justify variations to proposed targets and report according to business policy.

5.6.Report sales budgets accurately and concisely.

6. Set budget targets and monitoring mechanisms.

6.1.Conduct budget negotiations within a set timeframe and in a manner likely to promote good relationships.

6.2.Ensure budget negotiations reflect the overall business policies and objectives relevant to the manager’s area of responsibility.

6.3.Acquire and deploy resources, according to relevant legislation and company guidelines.

6.4.Maintain accurate and up to date records of resource allocation and usage according to company guidelines.

6.5.Develop and review management systems that enable timely collection, management and processing of information.

6.6.Complete records of budget performance and expenditure and report according to company procedures and guidelines.

6.7.Enforce budget audit mechanisms and compliance requirements.

6.8.Inform relevant personnel promptly of budget decisions.