Assessor Resource

FNSSUP509
Work within a defined benefit fund

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to explain design features, identify legislation and regulation, process contributions, and maintain documentation and records according to defined benefit fund requirements.

It applies to individuals who use specialised industry knowledge and systematic approaches to thoroughly and accurately complete a range of tasks that meet organisational quality assurance procedures.

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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Process contributions to defined benefit funds

1.1 Identify and follow rules guiding compulsory payments into defined benefit funds

1.2 Receive and process contributions according to fund requirements

2. Process payment of benefits in defined benefit fund

2.1 Investigate options for benefit payment in defined benefit funds

2.2 Calculate benefit to include additional fees, charges, taxes and other factors

2.3 Process benefits and pensions according to fund requirements

2.4 Communicate with beneficiaries according to organisational procedures

3. Process and maintain documentation and records according to defined benefit fund requirements

3.1 Correctly document all transactions in member records

3.2 Prepare statements and receipts, and issue to members according to organisational procedures

3.3 Maintain member records to ensure currency and accuracy

3.4 Generate certificates, benefit information and taxation information, and provide according to legislative requirements

3.5 Generate fund information and provide to actuary for preparation of necessary certificates

4. Implement quality assurance procedures

4.1 Identify requirements of legislation and regulations specific to defined benefit funds and incorporate into activities

4.2 Follow organisational procedures to ensure work is completed accurately

4.3 Establish member details and maintain in accordance with organisational requirements

4.4 Implement system and process checks, and identify any irregularities

4.5 Correct any irregularities or communicate to appropriate personnel

Evidence of the ability to:

explain the design of defined benefit funds to members

process contributions and payment of benefits in a defined benefit fund, including additional fees, charges and taxes

interpret trust deed conditions, establish special circumstances and make informed recommendations about benefit payments

identify, source and interpret required information to process benefits for lump sum payments, death claims and disablement claims

assess and determine benefit entitlements for lump sums, pensions, and death and disablement claims using computer programs

accurately process contributions, benefits and insurance claims according to organisational guidelines and relevant legislation.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

identify key features and eligibility conditions affecting defined benefit funds

explain advantages and disadvantages of:

accumulation and defined benefit funds

different methods of contributing to defined benefit funds

identify requirements of legislation and regulations specific to defined benefit funds

identify funding options for defined benefit funds

describe the effects of the following on defined benefits:

part-time and casual employees, and leave

resignation, dismissal and redundancy

death and disability

describe the application of privacy legislation

compare and contrast different types of retirement benefits and eligibility

outline the key factors affecting retirement benefit design

outline the effect and use of actuarial tools (compound interest and probability)

describe the role of actuaries in determining payment of benefits

explain the legal requirements for actuarial investigations of defined benefit funds

identify formulas used to calculate defined benefits

outline consequences of incorrect processing of contributions and benefits

describe the influences on fund and benefit design

describe how commutation of pensions work

outline the implications and procedure for actuarial investigations

discuss issues associated with pensions and lump sums

explain the process and implications of:

changing fund structures

transfer between superannuation funds

calculating the value of future liabilities, the valuation of assets and the establishment of the contribution rate

describe special provisions relating to public sector defined benefit funds

outline taxation implications of defined benefit funds

explain the role of employers and members in contributions made to defined benefit funds.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the superannuation field of work and include access to:

common office equipment, technology, software and consumables

organisational financial records

organisational policy and procedures.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Process contributions to defined benefit funds

1.1 Identify and follow rules guiding compulsory payments into defined benefit funds

1.2 Receive and process contributions according to fund requirements

2. Process payment of benefits in defined benefit fund

2.1 Investigate options for benefit payment in defined benefit funds

2.2 Calculate benefit to include additional fees, charges, taxes and other factors

2.3 Process benefits and pensions according to fund requirements

2.4 Communicate with beneficiaries according to organisational procedures

3. Process and maintain documentation and records according to defined benefit fund requirements

3.1 Correctly document all transactions in member records

3.2 Prepare statements and receipts, and issue to members according to organisational procedures

3.3 Maintain member records to ensure currency and accuracy

3.4 Generate certificates, benefit information and taxation information, and provide according to legislative requirements

3.5 Generate fund information and provide to actuary for preparation of necessary certificates

4. Implement quality assurance procedures

4.1 Identify requirements of legislation and regulations specific to defined benefit funds and incorporate into activities

4.2 Follow organisational procedures to ensure work is completed accurately

4.3 Establish member details and maintain in accordance with organisational requirements

4.4 Implement system and process checks, and identify any irregularities

4.5 Correct any irregularities or communicate to appropriate personnel

Evidence of the ability to:

explain the design of defined benefit funds to members

process contributions and payment of benefits in a defined benefit fund, including additional fees, charges and taxes

interpret trust deed conditions, establish special circumstances and make informed recommendations about benefit payments

identify, source and interpret required information to process benefits for lump sum payments, death claims and disablement claims

assess and determine benefit entitlements for lump sums, pensions, and death and disablement claims using computer programs

accurately process contributions, benefits and insurance claims according to organisational guidelines and relevant legislation.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

identify key features and eligibility conditions affecting defined benefit funds

explain advantages and disadvantages of:

accumulation and defined benefit funds

different methods of contributing to defined benefit funds

identify requirements of legislation and regulations specific to defined benefit funds

identify funding options for defined benefit funds

describe the effects of the following on defined benefits:

part-time and casual employees, and leave

resignation, dismissal and redundancy

death and disability

describe the application of privacy legislation

compare and contrast different types of retirement benefits and eligibility

outline the key factors affecting retirement benefit design

outline the effect and use of actuarial tools (compound interest and probability)

describe the role of actuaries in determining payment of benefits

explain the legal requirements for actuarial investigations of defined benefit funds

identify formulas used to calculate defined benefits

outline consequences of incorrect processing of contributions and benefits

describe the influences on fund and benefit design

describe how commutation of pensions work

outline the implications and procedure for actuarial investigations

discuss issues associated with pensions and lump sums

explain the process and implications of:

changing fund structures

transfer between superannuation funds

calculating the value of future liabilities, the valuation of assets and the establishment of the contribution rate

describe special provisions relating to public sector defined benefit funds

outline taxation implications of defined benefit funds

explain the role of employers and members in contributions made to defined benefit funds.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the superannuation field of work and include access to:

common office equipment, technology, software and consumables

organisational financial records

organisational policy and procedures.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify and follow rules guiding compulsory payments into defined benefit funds 
Receive and process contributions according to fund requirements 
Investigate options for benefit payment in defined benefit funds 
Calculate benefit to include additional fees, charges, taxes and other factors 
Process benefits and pensions according to fund requirements 
Communicate with beneficiaries according to organisational procedures 
Correctly document all transactions in member records 
Prepare statements and receipts, and issue to members according to organisational procedures 
Maintain member records to ensure currency and accuracy 
Generate certificates, benefit information and taxation information, and provide according to legislative requirements 
Generate fund information and provide to actuary for preparation of necessary certificates 
Identify requirements of legislation and regulations specific to defined benefit funds and incorporate into activities 
Follow organisational procedures to ensure work is completed accurately 
Establish member details and maintain in accordance with organisational requirements 
Implement system and process checks, and identify any irregularities 
Correct any irregularities or communicate to appropriate personnel 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FNSSUP509 - Work within a defined benefit fund
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

FNSSUP509 - Work within a defined benefit fund

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: