Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration (FILCA)
Essential finance
Coming soon…
The Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration (FILCA) is a Level 2, online sector specific learning tool to support all new Responsible Financial Officers (RFO’s) in England and Wales (or officers who have a financial element to their job role). The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to council finance.
£120 + VAT for members and non-members.
Are you a clerk in Wales? You could be eligible for a bursary towards 50% of the cost. Click here to find out more.
What will I learn?
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the work of an RFO. The course is in five modules based on the annual round of financial activities.
1. Roles & Responsibilities
Occupational standards
The role
The legal framework
Values
Calendar
Resources
Assessment
2. Budget and Precept
The budget
The precept
Constructing the budget
Making budget decisions
Monitoring the budget
Resources
Assessment
3. Systems & Procedures
Proper practices
The council’s financial regulations
The cash book
Spending
Income
Banking
Investments
Payroll
Resources
Assessment
4. Internal Control and VAT
The council’s duty
Implementing the duty
Separation of responsibilities
The management of risk
Insurance
The internal audit
Reviewing the systems
VAT
Reclaiming VAT
Resources
Assessment
5. External Audit and the Year End
External audit
Exempt councils
Public rights
The AGAR
The Statement of Accounts
Annual accounts
Resources
Assessment
How will I learn?
- The course has five modules. Each module contains several sections and pages of activities, questions and explanations.
- To gain a certificate and 8 CPD points you must pass the Assessment. You can have one attempt at each of two tests and pass a test with a score of 80%.
How long will it take?
FILCA can be studied intensively over a few days or by doing up to one module a month; it’s up to you. From the date of purchase, you have access to the online course for twelve months. If you do not complete the assessment within this limit, access to the course is removed. You might start as soon as you can and keep momentum going.