This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in accounting and seeking professional recognition, including tax agents, accounts managers and business analysts; and to employees performing a range of accounts management tasks for organisations in a range of industries. At this level individuals are expected to apply theoretical and technical skills in a range of situations and to display initiative and judgement in planning activities. They have autonomy in performing complex operations and can be responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating the work of others within broad but generally well-defined parameters.

Licensing/Regulatory Information 

Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Financial Services Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.

This qualification includes units that comprise an approved Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) course in Australian taxation law and commercial law, which are relevant for registration as a tax agent. Persons seeking registration with the TPB should check current registration requirements with the TPB, as registration requirements are reviewed regularly.

Entry Requirements

Completion of both FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set and FNSSS00015 Advanced Accounting Principles Skill Set;

OR

Completion of FNS50215 Diploma of Accounting;

OR

Completion of FNS50217 Diploma of Accounting.


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required t to access, interpret and analyse statistical data relevant to the financial services industry. It encompasses producing new statistical information and reports from existing data using a range of tools and processes.

It applies to individuals with a thorough understanding of the sources of financial data, and statistical methods and techniques for analysis. It is a base unit on which other skills required for work in the financial services industry can be built. It may be applied in all sectors of the industry.


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather, record and analyse operating costs and data, prepare cost reports and budgets, and calculate the costs of products, services and other organisational activities.

It applies to individuals who use specialised knowledge and techniques to consolidate and report on complex information and make recommendations relating to strategic organisational activity.


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research corporate governance reporting trends, examine corporate governance standards and practices, and review compliance to develop and implement processes and procedures for meeting corporate governance obligations.

It applies to individuals who use current and specialised knowledge and analytical skills to provide advice on organisational processes to meet compliance and management requirements.


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply broad principles of financial economics that underpin a range of tasks and functions in the financial services industry. It includes understanding how financial instruments are priced in markets, and techniques and processes government and organisations use to manage financial risk, demonstrating broad knowledge of economic theories and related decision making in a national and organisational economic context.

It applies to individuals who have an understanding of economics and how this impacts on work in the financial services industry. It also underpins other skills required for work in the financial services industry and may be applied in all sectors of the industry.


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify taxation requirements for complex lodgements and returns for legal entities. It involves gathering, analysing and processing taxation related data to prepare tax documentation, and to review and apply compliance requirements.

It applies to individuals who use specialised knowledge and systematic approaches and who follow specific guidelines to ensure compliance requirements are met.


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess taxation liabilities, optimise tax positions, establish processes and plans, evaluate tax policies and review tax compliance for legal entities.

It applies to experienced individuals who use analytical and problem-solving skills to prepare plans and strategic advice for clients.


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate returns to operations, determine short-term and long-term needs, and evaluate an organisation’s financial position and performance.

It applies to experienced individuals who use specialised knowledge and skills to evaluate complex financial information and make recommendations relevant to strategic organisational activity.

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.

Pre-requisite Unit

FNSACC521

Provide financial and business performance information

Unit Sector

Accounting

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. Evaluate returns to operations

1.1 Trend cash flow and profitability patterns to identify current position and expected returns from investments and projected operations

1.2 Disaggregate averaged returns to assess strengths and weaknesses in organisational performance

1.3 Evaluate investment returns against risk, profit and capital budget requirements

2. Determine short-term and long-term needs

2.1 Identify resources required by organisation to meet short-term and long-term obligations, and cost using standard financial analysis techniques

2.2 Establish and review financial priorities based on reported performance and identified trends, organisational objectives and expected returns to operations and investments

2.3 Review financial options and conduct analysis of range of possible assets and liabilities to optimise capital mix to support operations and trading need

2.4 Evaluate and document organisational policy and procedures for expenditures and investments to ensure relevance to changing personnel profiles

2.5 Analyse debt to equity targets in terms of organisation’s expected performance and establish in line with organisational objectives using standard accounting techniques

3. Review performance

3.1 Ensure forecasts made are justifiable given observed trends, information, events and assumptions, with standard errors calculated to produce levels of accuracy suitable for planning purposes

3.2 Regularly review forecasts in line with actual performance and alternative sources of information

3.3 Assess risk strategies for long-term viability and harmonise with short-term goals and obligations

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

2.2-2.4

  • Accesses, analyses and synthesises key information from complex sources to evaluate financial performance

Writing

2.2, 2.4, 3.1

  • Prepares forecasts, financial options and clear written advice using logical structure, correct terminology and writing style that matches the audience and intended purpose

Numeracy

1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2

  • Performs mathematical calculations and uses a range of mathematical problem-solving techniques to analyse trends and to estimate and forecast financial data

Navigate the world of work

2.1-2.5, 3.1

  • Takes a lead role in evaluating performance against the achievement of organisational goals and objectives, taking into account legal or regulatory obligations

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.1- 2.5, 3.2-3.3

  • Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing, scheduling and monitoring complex tasks and own workload to achieve organisational goals and objectives
  • Uses systematic analytical problem-solving processes in complex, routine and non-routine situations, gathering information and identifying and evaluating options against criteria
  • Uses digital technologies to access, enter and extract relevant information to achieve required outcomes

Unit Mapping Information

Code and title  

current version 

Code and title 

previous version 

Comments 

Equivalence status 

FNSACC608 Evaluate organisation’s financial performance

FNSACC608A Evaluate organisation’s financial performance

Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages

Prerequisite updated

No equivalent unit

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c7200cc8-0566-4f04-b76f-e89fd6f102fe


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess financial risk and exposure, analyse financial histories and establish processes to minimise risks associated with an organisation’s cash flow or assets and securities.

It applies to experienced individuals with specialised knowledge who use well-developed analytical skills and systematic approaches to manage and mitigate risk in their area of responsibility.

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.

Pre-requisite Unit

FNSACC521

Provide financial and business performance information

Unit Sector

Accounting

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. Assess financial risk exposure

1.1 Identify and measure magnitude and volatility of organisational risks to determine extent of risk exposure and implications for financial strategies

1.2 Identify key factors supporting or driving risk exposure and establish timeframes to monitor and improve performance

1.3 Compare short-term and long-term financial outcomes and projections with actual cash flows using standard financial analysis techniques to determine effects on liquidity and budget adjustments

2. Develop risk management processes

2.1 Ensure risk management options include assessments of alternatives, criteria for success and estimates of long-term and short-term effects

2.2 Identify and evaluate key ethical, legislative and organisational considerations for risk management options

2.3 Develop strategies using standard financial analysis techniques to identify financial flows, trends in returns and adjustments in asset values

2.4 Establish financial recording systems to monitor and evaluate changes in market conditions and business needs using range of data sources

2.5 Develop risk management strategies that optimise mix of asset structures and liabilities in operations and ensure flexibility to meet changing environments

3. Analyse financial histories

3.1 Evaluate financial performance using trends and patterns that identify magnitude and volatility of financial exposures

3.2 Compare long-term and short-term financial outcomes with forecast outcomes to assess variances and parameters in performance and reliability of financial advice

3.3 Identify and analyse incidents and factors increasing or diminishing financial performance using standard financial analysis techniques

4. Establish processes to minimise risks

4.1 Develop and review recording systems to monitor financial outcomes and to guide and document decision making

4.2 Maintain and establish inventories to ensure up-to-date records on value of assets and liabilities

4.3 Assess contribution of organisational attitudes to risk taking and incorporate in risk analysis process

4.4 Develop, review and communicate parameters for variances in financial outcomes to support financial decision making

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, 1.2, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2

  • Uses highly developed research skills and critically analyses complex financial information

Writing

2.3, 2.4, 4.2, 4.4

  • Prepares written analyses and forecasts that clearly explain relationships between data and advice

Oral Communication

4.4

  • Participates effectively in verbal exchanges using active listening and questioning to gauge organisational attitudes and obtain feedback on proposed options

Numeracy

1.1, 1.3, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1-3.3, 4.1, 4.4

  • Performs mathematical calculations and uses a range of mathematical problem-solving techniques to analyse trends and forecast financial data

Navigate the world of work

2.2

  • Recognises and responds to relevant ethical, legislative and organisational requirements in managing risk and meets expectations associated with own role

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.4

  • Plans and sequences complex activities, and correctly schedules risk and financial performance monitoring and reporting
  • Plans and implements new systems and processes with strategic implications for the organisation
  • Uses systematic analytical problem-solving processes in complex, routine and non-routine situations, gathering information and identifying and evaluating options against criteria
  • Evaluates effectiveness of systems and processes to inform decisions on how to implement improvements
  • Creates tools and systems to enhance the decision-making process
  • Uses digital technologies to access, organise and analyse complex data

Unit Mapping Information

Code and title  

current version 

Code and title 

previous version 

Comments 

Equivalence status 

FNSACC609 Evaluate financial risk

FNSACC609A Evaluate financial risk

Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages

Minor edits to clarify intent of element

Prerequisite updated

No equivalent unit

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c7200cc8-0566-4f04-b76f-e89fd6f102fe