Managing Systems and People in the Accounting Environment
Unit summary
This unit is about your role as a manager in the accounting environment, whether you are a line manager or are managing a particular function or project. The first learning outcome requires you to show that you co-ordinate work activities effectively within the accounting environment. This includes setting realistic objectives, targets and deadlines and managing people in such a way that these can be met. You also need to show that you prepare contingency plans to cover a variety of problems that can reduce the likelihood of meeting objectives, targets and deadlines. The second learning outcome is about identifying weaknesses in an accounting systems and making recommendations to rectify these. This involves identifying potential for misuse of a system, whether this is accidental (errors) or deliberate (fraud). You are also required to update the system, for example to comply with legislative requirements and to check that the output is correct after the system has been updated.
Unit details
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15 Business, Administration and Law
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15.1
Accounting and Finance
Assessment methodology: A work-based project of a minimum of 4000 words or a centrally set skills test of a minimum of three hours taken under high control conditions, OR, if NVQ, work-based evidence, or a work-based project of a minimum of 4000 words
You must have knowledge and understanding of:
The Business Environment
1. The range of external regulations affecting accounting practice (LO 10.2)
2. Common types of fraud (LO 10.2)
3. The implications of fraud (LO 10.2)
Management Techniques
4. Methods for scheduling and planning work (LO 10.1)
5. Techniques for managing your own time effectively (LO 10.1)
6. Methods of measuring cost-effectiveness (LO 10.2)
7. Methods of detecting fraud within accounting systems (LO 10.2)
8. Techniques for influencing and negotiating with decision-makers and controllers of resources (LO 10.1)
9. Techniques for reviewing recommendations through cost-benefit analysis (LO 10.2)
Management Principles and Theory
10. Principles of supervision and delegation (LO 10.1)
11. Principles of fostering effective working relationships, building teams and motivating staff (LO 10.1)
The Organisation
12. How the accounting systems of an organisation are affected by its organisational structure, its Management Information Systems, its administrative systems and procedures and the nature of its business transactions (LOs 10.1, 10.2)
13. The overview of the organisation's business and its critical external relationships (customers/clients, suppliers etc.) (LOs 10.1, 10.2)
14. The purpose, structure and organisation of the accounting function and its relationships with other functions within the organisation (LO 10.2)
15. Who controls the supply of resources (equipment, materials, information and people) within the organisation (LO 10.1)
Simple Merge:
NOS: Based on AOSG Level 4 in Accounting Unit 10
Other: no text found
FSSC have formally supported this qualification (please see letter of support attached in the qualification need / support section).
| Learning Outcome |
Assessment Criteria |
| 1. Manage people within the accounting environment |
10.1.A Plan work activities to make the optimum use of resources and to ensure that work is completed within agreed timescales
10.1.B Review the competence of individuals undertaking work activities and arrange the necessary training
10.1.C Prepare, in collaboration with management, contingency plans for fully functioning computer systems not being available
10.1.D Prepare, in collaboration with management, contingency plans to meet staff absences
10.1.E Prepare, in collaboration with management, contingency plans to meet changes in work patterns and demands
10.1.F Communicate work methods and schedules to colleagues in ways that help them to understand what is expected of them
10.1.G Monitor work activities sufficiently closely to ensure that quality standards are being met
10.1.H Co-ordinate work activities effectively and in accordance with work plans and contingency plans
10.1.I Encourage colleagues to report to you promptly any problems and queries that are beyond their authority or expertise to resolve, and resolve these there they are within your authority and expertise
10.1.J Refer problems and queries to the appropriate person where resolution is beyond your authority or expertise |
| 2. Identify opportunities for improving the effectiveness of the accounting system |
10.2.A Identify potential for errors and for improvements to the accounting system and consider their impact on the operation of the organisation
10.2.B Identify possible exposure to fraud and the potential for improvements to the accounting system and consider their impact on the operation of the organisation
10.2.C Identify potential areas of fraud arising from control avoidance within the manual accounting system and grade the risk
10.2.D Identify possible exposure to fraud and the potential for improvements to the computerised accounting system and consider their impact on the operation of the organisation
10.2.E Review methods of operating regularly in respect of their cost-effectiveness, reliability and speed
10.2.F Make oral recommendations to the appropriate person in a clear and appropriate manner
10.2.G Make written recommendations to the appropriate person in a clear, easily understood format
10.2.H Ensure oral recommendations are supported by a clear rationale which includes an explanation of any assumptions made
10.2.I Ensure written recommendations are supported by a clear rationale which includes an explanation of any assumptions made
10.2.J Explain to those affected the implications of recommended changes in terms of financial costs and benefits |