Course Title: Establish and maintain payroll systems

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: ACCT5422C

Course Title: Establish and maintain payroll systems

Important Information:


Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4398 - Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

Course Contact: Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944

Course Contact Email: doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Upasana Mahajan

Course Coordinator

Email: upasana.mahajan@rmit.edu 
Location: 80.05.30

Nominal Hours: 45

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to record and prepare payroll documentation, respond to enquiries, and process payroll data for manual and computerised systems.

It applies to individuals, including BAS agents, who use a range of organisational and other specialist techniques. They may work directly for organisations or be small business owners, contractors or service providers.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Refer to the FNS Financial Services Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on regulatory requirements.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSTPB402 Establish and maintain payroll systems

Element:

1. Establish payroll requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Assess scope of payroll services that a business activity statement (BAS) agent can provide, and identify need for independent expert advice

1.2 Apply knowledge of legislation in relation to National Employment Standards, and legislative requirements in regard to payroll payments

1.3 Research and identify relevant state and modern awards, and employment agreements, regarding details to be set up in payroll system for individual employees

Element:

2. Record payroll data

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Configure payroll system with complete data provided by employee and employer

2.2 Review payroll data and clarify discrepancies with designated persons

2.3 Enter employee pay period details in payroll system in line with source data

Element:

3. Prepare and process payroll

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Conduct payroll preparation within designated timeframes and according to organisational policy and procedures

3.2 Use employee source data to calculate, record and reconcile payroll according to legislative requirements

3.3 Reconcile total payments for pay period, and review and correct irregularities or refer them to designated persons for resolution

3.4 Obtain authorisation of payroll and make arrangements for individuals’ payments in line with organisational requirements

3.5 Distribute individual pay advice according to organisational and legislative requirements

3.6 Identify legislative and organisational requirements relevant to employment termination processes and payment, and seek advice to interpret requirements as required

3.7 Produce, review and store payroll records according to organisational policy and security procedures

Element:

4. Handle payroll enquiries

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Respond to payroll enquiries according to organisational and legislative requirements

4.2 Provide information according to organisational and legislative requirements

4.3 Refer enquiries outside area of responsibility or knowledge to designated persons for resolution

4.4 Provide additional information or complete follow-up action within designated timeframes and according to organisational policy and procedures

Element:

5. Maintain payroll

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Maintain information and record keeping relating to payroll function according to current legislative and regulatory requirements

5.2 Prepare and reconcile month-end and year-end payroll records to ensure compliance with legislative and management deadlines

5.3 Update records and systems in line with salary reviews and other changes in employment status

5.4 Establish back-up and disaster recovery systems

5.5 Generate and distribute payroll reports in line with organisational policy

5.6 Extract and apply BAS and instalment activity statement (IAS) data according to legislative and regulatory requirements


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities is planned for this course, including self-paced and collaborative classroom-based activities.

The students will be asked to perform activities that mimic authentic work tasks, designed to provide an ideal preparation for the real world of work.

A series of self-paced activities will also be delivered using our technology platforms and may include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom-based activities will include group discussion, group problem-solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated workplace environment.

To maximise the value of the learning experience, you must participate in (and contribute to) all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

This course is delivered over a 9-week period

Note:

** The teaching schedule may be subject to change.  You will be advised in class and via Canvas Announcements if changes become necessary.

Course Schedule

WeekTopicAssessment / Learning activities
Week 1

Introduction, Welcome and Orientation and Important Information about the unit course.

Introduction 

Chapter 1: The Payroll System

 

Introduction to Payroll

Legislation and Regulatory Bodies

Collecting Data




Chapter 1 : Self-Testing Exercises

At the end of this session, please attempt Quiz  

Week 2

Chapter 2: Payroll Calculations

Ordinary, Gross & Net Pay

Allowances & Entitlements

PAYG Withholding & Deductions

 

 

Chapter 2 : Self-Testing Exercises
Chapter 2: Review Questions 
(even numbers questions only)

 

Week 3

Chapter 3: Processing Payroll

Payroll Records
Preparing the Payroll Register
Accounting for Payroll

 

 

Chapter 3: Self-Testing Exercises
Chapter 3: Review Questions
(even numbers questions only)

Assessment 1 Payroll Knowledge Questions due
Week 4

Chapter 4: Payroll Records

 

Preparing the Payroll Register

Accounting for Payroll

Entitlements and Reporting Procedures

Practice test/Revision

Chapter 4:  Self-Testing Exercises
Chapter 4: Review Questions
(even numbers questions only)
Week 5

 

Supervised Assessment AT 2

Assessment 2 Payroll Supervised Assessment

Week 6 Start Xero Payroll
Chapter 5: Processing Payroll in Xero

Getting Started with Xero

Set Up Single Touch Payroll

Timesheets and process pay run

Print Payroll Reports

 

Chapter 6 Establishing a Payroll System in Xero

Import Opening Balances

Payroll Settings & Employees

Set up Single Touch Payroll





Chapter 5&6:  Self Testing Exercises

 

Week 7

Chapter 7 : Processing Payroll Over Multiple Periods in Xero

Process First Pay Run

Perform a Bank Reconciliation

Manage Contacts

Pay Wages and Liabilities

 

Chapter 8: End of Year Processes in Xero 

Share Payroll with the ATO

Check Payroll Data

Finalise STP

Chapter 7&8:  Self Testing Exercises

Assessment 3 XERO Payroll Case Study due

Week 8

Assessment 2 Supervised Assessment resit session

 

Week 9 Final Resubmissions or resits if required  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Payroll Accounting using Xero by Judith Mulley 1st Edition (September, 2022)

978-1-76073-163-2


References


Other Resources

Online learning materials can be accessed by visiting Canvas.

The online learning materials listed include: 

  • Course outlines
  • PowerPoint presentations
  • Supporting reading material
  • Industry relevant articles
  • Activities


Overview of Assessment

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • identify, calculate and input data from time-recording systems for payments into manual or computerised payroll systems
  • produce a payroll report according to organisational and legislative requirements
  • present a payroll report for verification and approval
  • maintain records according to organisational and legislative requirements that relate to security and confidentiality of information.


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


Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge to effectively complete the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and to manage tasks and reasonably foreseeable contingencies in the context of the work role.

  • Scope of services offered by a business activity statement (BAS) agent providing payroll services
  • Key principles of award and enterprise agreements and industrial instruments required to maintain payroll systems
  • Organisational policy and procedures that affect payroll, including the structure of authority in organisations
  • Industry codes of practice relevant to payroll operations
  • Key features of manual and computerised payroll systems
  • Legislative and record-keeping requirements from all levels of government that affect business operation and reporting requirements, especially in regard to:
  • Fair Work Act
  • National Employment Standards
  • Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act
  • corporations law
  • workers compensation and work health and safety
  • state payroll tax relating to payroll activities
  • Privacy Act and requirements relating to confidentiality and security of records
  • Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
  • Medicare levy
  • Tax Agent Services Act (TASA)
  • current commonwealth, state and territory industry and modern awards, and enterprise bargaining agreements
  • individual employment agreements
  • commonwealth, state and territory leave Acts, including annual, personal, paid parental and long service
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Act
  • Current Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements relating to payroll systems, including:
  • Australian business number (ABN)
  • payment summaries
  • employment termination payments (ETPs)
  • tax file number (TFN) declaration
  • Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) requirements relating to payroll systems, including:
  • registration and scope of services documentation requirements for BAS agents
  • code of professional conduct
  • Key requirements of taxation law relating to payroll systems, including:
  • pay as you go instalment (PAYGI) tax
  • pay as you go withholding (PAYGW) tax
  • fringe benefits tax (FBT) as it relates to salary packaging
  • Key aspects of routine and non-routine requirements for payroll, including:
  • routine: award payments, salary amount, salary packaging, superannuation guarantee and superannuation reporting
  • non-routine: termination payments and superannuation guarantee charge


Assessment Conditions

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

  • office equipment, technology, software and consumables required to establish and maintain a payroll system, including:
  • workplace reference materials, such as procedural manuals and organisational policy
  • actual or simulated payroll data.


Assessors of this unit must satisfy the assessor requirements in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


This unit is designed to meet the education requirements of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB). Where registration with the TPB is sought, assessment must reflect the conditions described by the regulator which stipulate that a significant amount (at least 40%) must be completed under some form of independent supervision. Where recognition of prior learning (RPL) is used, it must also meet the requirements of the Board s policy on RPL.

Details of requirements can be accessed on the TPB website at <http://www.tpb.gov.au>;.

If undertaking this unit for BAS agent registration, the following items in the Range of Conditions must be addressed in the assessment to meet educational requirements for registration with the TPB:

  • payroll preparation
  • payroll records.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course. 


Assessment Tasks

The unit will have three assessment tasks in total. To be deemed competent, you must satisfactorily complete all assessment tasks. 

Assessment 1 Payroll Knowledge Questions (Due date: as per unit syllabus)

Students need to complete three (3) assessment tasks for this unit. This is assessment task one (1) of three (3) that students need to complete satisfactorily to be deemed competent for this unit.  

The assessment is based on payroll legislation. The assessment aims to ensure that students understand the organisational payroll policies and can draw inferences from those policies. Students must also research and understand the legislative laws to check the requirements.

The assignment is a situation-based assessment where students are given the Organisation policies for Bookkeeper R Us and Enterprise agreements handed over by Bookkeepers R Us to its employees. Students will be working on it during their own time.

The assessment is also based on the legislation, and compliance knowledge students would acquire during the semester. They will have to answer these questions based on your class discussions and some research on the various websites. They will be working on their own time.

Assessment Details

Where

Students will be asked to complete the assessment in their own time.  

How

To achieve competency in this unit, students will have to complete the assessments satisfactorily.

Students will be given satisfactory or Not satisfactory status in the Assessment 1. To be satisfactory, students will have to:

1. Answer all questions correctly.

2. Identify the correct legislations and applicable awards.

Instructions on submitting Knowledge Assessment   

Students will have to submit the assessment as a word document or pdf on CANVAS by the due date.

 

Assessment 2 Payroll Supervised Assessment (Due date: as per unit syllabus)

The second assessment will be a supervised assessment. This is assessment task two (2) that you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit.

Please note that this will be conducted in class and competency required as to the level of timeliness, accuracy and professionalism as would be expected from this work (payroll) function in a corporate/ accounting/payroll environment.

This task gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the payroll function of an organisation and most importantly, how this function is performed in the workplace as you will do so in the Financial Services Practice Firm for Goanna Creations Pty Ltd. In this office of which you are an employee, you are under strict instruction from your Manager and will perform all duties as instructed. This assessment and your work for Goanna Creations Pty Ltd will enhance your skills and knowledge of Payroll but importantly, will give you an indication of what is expected from an employee in an Accounting role both now and when you enter the workforce.

 What

Read the assessment information attached below and conduct the following payroll activities in line with the organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements detailed below.

When completing this case study, you must ensure you apply knowledge of relevant legislation, including that in relation to National Employment Standards, requirements when making payroll payments for the month of June, and applying taxes reported on activity statements.

Where

  • All tasks of this assessment will be in the form of an in-class supervised, open-book assessment where all written material is allowable including any payroll notes and materials.
  • All tasks of this assessment must be completed in class and uploaded to CANVAS within 2 hours.
  • Assessment may be completed in the simulated environment 'Practice firm'. You will be working as employees and can work in different conditions if permitted by the employer.
  • You should seek your assessor’s confirmation before you move further.

 

Assessment 3 XERO Payroll Case Study (Due date: as per unit syllabus)

This is assessment task three (3) of the (3) assessments that students need to complete satisfactorily to be deemed competent for this unit.

 

Activity: Please note that this will be completed by the student in their own time.  Competency required as to the level of timeliness, accuracy and professionalism as would be expected from this work (payroll) function in a corporate/ accounting/payroll environment.

The purpose of this assessment is to allow students to demonstrate knowledge relating to key features, skills and knowledge required to record and prepare payroll documentation, respond to enquiries, and process payroll data for computerised systems.

Assessment Instructions

Use of this Case Study requires:

  • Accessing to the “Zephyr Property Services” Xero organisation
  • Completing ALL payroll tasks per assessment instructions
  • Submit required report (s) in pdf format and upload it to canvas.
    Note: Students must save each report using the following naming convention:‘ Student’s Name ‘and the report name, e.g. Andy Smith Profit & Loss.pdf

Where

Students will be undertaking and completing this assessment in their own time; however, there will be ongoing discussions on this assessment during the semester.

What

Read the assessment information attached below and conduct the following payroll activities in line with the organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements detailed below.

When completing this case study, you must ensure you apply knowledge of relevant legislation, including that in relation to National Employment Standards, requirements when making payroll payments for the month of June, and applying taxes reported on activity statements.

How

To achieve a satisfactory result, they must address all task criteria satisfactorily.


You must satisfactorily complete all assessment tasks to be deemed competent in this unit.

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Canvas under Assignments.

All assessments will utilise a competency-based model and will be deemed as either Satisfactory or Not Yet Satisfactory. 

Other Information

Submission Requirements

 

You should: 

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. 
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (Hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work.  On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work.  An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on Canvas.
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.   For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.

 

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.  

More Information:  http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Form to use:  http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination. 

More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w (unresolved)

Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf

Resubmissions (VE Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Grading & re-submissions

Re-submissions do not contribute to your overall grade for the course.

Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:

More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31

 

Marking Guide (Competency):

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview