CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE (CCE)

Transcription

1 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE (CCE) POLICY & PROCEDURE [March 2012]

2 INTRODUCTION The Certified Credit Executive (CCE) programme is designed to be the highest designation of recognition within the AICM. Members achieving this qualification demonstrate the knowledge and expertise required to manage the credit function at an executive level. The purpose of the CCE programme is to recognise Members who are able to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise to manage the credit function at an executive level and ensure that those Members maintain the currency of that knowledge and expertise. The programme is available to Institute Members only. It is the AICM's commitment to maintaining professional excellence in the field of credit management. Candidates are required to have attained a minimum professional and educational standard and this is demonstrated through the accumulation of the required number of CCE points. The Candidates are to be proficient in the areas of credit and collection skills, law, legislation, human resources, accounting principles and general management skills. The successful CCE Candidates are required to recertify every three years thus confirming the currency of their credit management skills. CCE PROGRAMME OUTCOMES AND REWARDS The CCE qualification is intended to improve a CCE s credibility and stature amongst his/her peers and senior company management by confirming their credit management skills and knowledge and their ongoing commitment to the maintenance of those skills and knowledge in a changing business, financial and legal environment. It should also act as a catalyst for staff development by encouraging managers and potential managers to expand their knowledge beyond their particular area of specialisation, whilst continuing to learn and grow in the market place. The CCE qualification aims to improve opportunities as it demonstrates to employers and other industry practioners that a CCE is motivated and accomplished together with being up to date in knowledge and practice of credit management skills. AIM The aim of the CCE programme is to recognise and set standards for excellence and professionalism of individuals operating in the credit industry. The aim of this policy and procedure is to establish minimum standards and guidelines for those who both participate in and administer the CCE programme PURPOSE OF THE CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE PROGRAM The purpose of the Certified Credit Executive programme is to encourage members to attain the CCE qualification and maintain their knowledge and skills within the credit industry. Ideally they would be seen as CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 2

3 a role model and mentor of younger or more junior credit professionals. The programme is available to Institute Members only. It seeks to recognise and ensure the ongoing maintenance of professional competence in credit management. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE A Certified Credit Executive is defined in item 12 under the heading of Certified Credit Executive in the Articles of Association of The Australian Institute of Credit Management as: A Certified Credit Executive is a person who has satisfied the Board by the achievement of 100 accreditation points as a result of education, work experience and participation and who successfully passes an examination or otherwise as the Board may require, that he is fully qualified to deal with all matters affecting the assessment of credit and the work of a credit executive or manager and that his experience and standing are sufficient to justify his elevation to Certified Credit Executive. CCE POST NOMINALS A Member who successfully attains the Certified Credit Executive qualification may adopt the post nominals of CCE i.e. John Doe MICM CCE COMPLIANCE WITH ARTICLES AND BY-LAWS This policy and procedure should be read in conjunction with: Articles of Association of The Australian Institute of Credit Management (Company limited by guarantee) By-Laws of The Australian Institute of Credit Management (Company limited by guarantee) Australian Institute of Credit Management Code of Ethics These documents can be obtained via the web by visiting the Australian Institute of Credit Management s website at CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POINTS The basic principle underlying the CCE programme is the recognition of skills, training and education through the allocation and accurate recording of accreditation points also known as CCE points. CCE points can be accumulated for professional and self-development, training, experience in the industry, best practice and, to a limited extent, service to the credit industry. The fundamental unit of measure used by the Certified Credit Executive programme are CCE points. CCE points are generally allocated on the basis of one point per hour of training, study and/or professional development as accredited by the Board and certified by Division Councillors of the AICM. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 3

4 CCE points can be accredited in increments of one. The minimum level of CCE points which can be assigned to a single event is one i.e. for the purpose of practicality any courses or programmes submitted for accreditation must have a minimum duration of three-quarters of an hour. A Member must have been a Member of the AICM for a minimum of three years and have accumulated a minimum of 100 points to be eligible to participate in the CCE examination process. CCE points will only be awarded for training and educational courses and events ie the level of points is based on the professional development content only of any event ie Networking Functions with no professional development content do not attract CCE points. Network meetings must be assessed on the basis of 1 point per hour of delivery from a guest speaker. e.g. events organised for 2 hours, with a nominated guest speaking for I hour, and the balance of the time spent networking would attract 1 only CCE point. Reading Credit Management in Australia will be allocated 2 CCE points per year as it reports on industry and profession practices, IT and HR issues and law and legislation changes. For these reasons it is used as source material for the CCE Examination. Refer to Appendix 1 for a table detailing recognised CCE points allocated for specific programmes, individual s experience and service to the industry. Registered Training Organisation CCE points may be accrued progressively by students of the AICM s RTO programme as they complete course components. It is not a prerequisite to have received a Certificate of Attainment for the course. Under the RTO programme, people completing components under the RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) programme by assessment and successfully receiving a Certificate of Attainment will qualify for CCE points accredited for that component. External Professional Development Providers External training and professional development providers wishing to certify their courses under the CCE programme and offer CCE points for that course must make an application to the AICM National Office and submit a fee as set by the Board from time to time and currently$ per course. The application must include details of course content, expected outcomes, course duration and speaker s details to demonstrate that the course qualifies under the CCE programme. CCE points and course numbers will be allocated by the CCE Director upon approval of the application. External training and professional development providers who qualify as non-profit organisations or who do not charge a fee for service are exempt from the submission fee. Courses external to the AICM that have not been pre-certified by the CCE Director will be classified as employer sponsored education and training and must be evaluated on the basis of 1 point per hour of delivery for credit related content only (e.g. accounting, law and legislation, frontline management, CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 4

5 technology and credit specific). To ascertain the amount of credit related content, detailed course outlines and content documentation should be supplied along with proof of attendance. There is a maximum amount of points able to be claimed on non pre-certified courses refer appendix 1. Division Responsibilities The AICM is committed to provide adequate levels of training and professional development of a standard that earns CCE points and for there to be more than sufficient of these events to enable Members to attain sufficient points to qualify for the CCE examination process or recertify each three years. Under the guidance of the Professional Development Director, each Division will need to provide a minimum of 10 hours (10 CCE points) professional development in their annual programs. This does not include CCE points provided by AICM Learning Services and its Registered Training Organisation programmes. Each Division must have their annual professional development programmes drafted by November of the prior year. By December of each year the Division will submit applications to the CCE Director requesting CCE points and course numbers for their professional development programmes. Successful applications for CCE points and course numbers will be returned to the Division within one month. CCE points and course numbers can only be allocated by the CCE Director upon receipt of formal submissions from division professional development chairs or by application from the National Office. CCE points and course numbers must be clearly displayed on all advertising for all events. NEW Members: All new members must be assessed and allocated CCE points based on their training, education and experience. This is completed through the new member process. Applications for membership must be on the forms as prescribed by the Board from time to time. The application for admission as a member of the AICM is in two parts being the Membership Application and the Membership Assessment. Both forms are available in the membership package and on line. The Membership Application and Assessment is forwarded by National Office to the Division Council for ratification at their monthly meeting. As part of this process the Division s CCE Chairperson must review the new Member s Assessment and allocate CCE points in accordance with this policy and particularly appendix 1. Those points are advised to National Office for recording in the Member s file. Where an Assessment form is not submitted by the prospective new Member then the Division Chairperson is charged with the responsibility of following up the new Member for his form and, in the process, extolling the virtues of the CCE programme. APPLICATION FOR CCE EXAMINATION Members seeking to sit the CCE examination must have: Accumulated a minimum of 100 CCE points. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 5

6 Achieved 30 CCE points within a three year period immediately prior to the CCE examination. Worked in the credit industry for a minimum of 3 years immediately prior to the CCE examination. Been a member of the AICM for at least 3 years immediately prior to the CCE examination. The Board may use its discretion to approve of a member, with a continuous membership of a like organisation for 3 years immediately preceding their application to sit the CCE exam, to be eligible to sit the CCE exam subject to this member having accumulated the required 100 CCE points. ASSESSMENT The assessment has two components being an online examination and the submission of a written paper. Details of the two components are as follows. 1. The first stage is the completion of the online CCE exam. The online exam will be available twice each year in March and September. The online exam will be worth 40 marks with questions being sourced from the previous 3 years AICM magazine articles and AICM National Seminar content. The objective of the exam is to confirm currency of knowledge. Back copies of the magazine must be available on the AICM Internet site (CCE resources section). Applicants will register online and will receive a password and instructions on how to access the examination. The online exam will be open for 72 hours commencing at 3pm on the designated Friday in September and March and closing at 3pm on the following Monday. The online exam will comprise the following Ø 10 True/false questions - each worth 1 mark Ø 10 multiple choice questions - each worth 1 mark Ø 10 short answer questions each worth 2 marks The pass mark will be 30 marks. Upon successful completion of the online exam a candidate will then be eligible to complete the second component which is a written assignment/essay 2. The second component requires a written paper which addresses one of the following workplace credit management issues: Ø Accounts Receivable management such as installing new systems, revising terms and conditions, managing accounts Ø Staff management such as team building, staff recruitment/retention CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 6

7 Ø Performance management such as customer service, implementing/reviewing KPIs, monitoring the credit function performance against organisational performance standards Ø Compliance management The paper should be based on the following specifications: 3,500-4,000 words this is approximately typed pages based on the format set out below. Include any references/sources referred to. The recommended page length is based on the following format: Ø The document is typed Ø Spacing is 1.5 Ø The font and size is Verdana 10 The written paper must be typed. The candidate may refer to their workplace by name provided they have the necessary permission to do so. Alternatively the candidate may approach the written paper on a hypothetical basis where they would outline how they would address the issue should they be in a position to do so. The structure of the written paper needs to address predetermined issues. This will facilitate the marking of the paper and also provide a structure for the paper. The paper should include: Ø A brief outline of the issue to be addressed Ø How the candidate analysed the issue Ø The resources the candidate would utilise to address the issue Ø How the candidate planned to deal with the issue Ø How stakeholders would be consulted/involved in the management of the issue Ø Monitoring of the implementation of the proposed resolution Ø Evaluation strategies to assess the outcome of the solution Written paper outline example e.g. the candidate may choose to write about how they would reduce DSOs. In this case the candidate might commence with an outline of why the DSOs need to be reduced and the target they are seeking to achieve. This might be followed by an analysis of the ledger and the identification of accounts that would be prioritised for action. Perhaps next would be a discussion of the resources available to achieve the objective. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 7

8 The paper could next outline how the candidate planned to meet the objective. Consideration could be given as to the need to gain stakeholder support, for instance gain the support and commitment of the credit team, engage the sales team and highlight to them the reasons for the initiative. Next might be an outline of how the initiative would be monitored. The final section might include an analysis of the initiative, in other words were the DSOs reduced, was the target achieved, what factors may have impeded the achievement of the objective and how they may be addressed in the future. Marking Criteria 13 marks for overall clarity of writing and logical presentation of concepts and ideas 5 marks for references 6 marks for each of the 7 criteria The pass mark will be 35 marks. It should be noted that candidates will be able to commence work on their written component prior to sitting the exam should they choose to do so however the written paper may only be submitted once the online exam has been successfully completed. Grading of results is as follows: Ø Pass Ø Distinction Ø High Distinction The CCE Dux would be awarded to the candidate with the highest score in the calendar year ending 30 September. APPLICATION FOR CCE RECERTIFICATION Certified Credit Executives must recertify every three years to retain their CCE designation. The CCE programme is based on an annual calendar year commencing on 1 st September and 1 st March each year. CCE s seeking recertification must have accumulated an additional 30 CCE points over 3 years since passing their CCE exam or since their previous recertification. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 8

9 Points accumulated beyond the 30 points required for recertification may be carried forward to the following three year period up to a maximum of 10 points provided the CCE has accumulated at least 5 points per year. The required CCE Points must be accumulated by the 28 th February or the 31st August in the year of undertaking recertification. CCE points for recertification must be accrued during that 3 year period save for any additional points accrued and carried forward from the prior period to a maximum of 10 points. Application for CCE recertification must be on the forms as prescribed by the Board from time to time. The Division CCE chairperson upon receipt of the Application for CCE Recertification form will then complete the CCE Points Accreditation form CCE Recertification in accordance with this Policy and Procedure then onto CCE director for assessment? CCE DATABASE AND PAPER FLOWS It is the responsibility of the AICM National Office to record and maintain an accurate, complete and up-todate database of CCE points and to make such information available to participants in the CCE programme on the AICM website. All completed professional development submissions for CCE points, professional development course attendance lists and accreditation forms for membership assessment, and CCE recertification should be forwarded to the National Office as soon as practical to enable them to update and maintain members records. The table below, details how CCE points are represented on the AICM website. These should be read in conjunction with obtaining current accreditation points reports from the membership area of the website. Members Status CCE Points Explanation Eligible for CCE Exam 100 plus Points Indicates that the member is eligible to sit the CCE exam provided that all other requirements have been attained. CCE Qualified 100 Points Upon successful completion of the CCE exam and attaining the CCE qualification, the member s record will reflect 100 CCE Points. (Points accrued in excess of 100 will reduced to 100 points) CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 9

10 Eligible for CCE Recertification 130 plus Points Indicates that the member is eligible to recertify provided that all other requirements have been attained. CCE Recertified Points Upon successful recertification the member s record will reflect 100 to a maximum 110 CCE Points. (10 points accrued in excess of 130 can be carried over into next recertification period) REPORTS DETAILING CURRENT CCE POINTS Reports detailing CCE points can be obtained via the web by visiting the Australian Institute of Credit Management s website at Select the Member s Only & Job Vacancies to enter the Members Centre then log in by using your membership (DCM) number and password. You then enter a Member s Option screen which will detail your name and current accreditation points. To obtain a detailed report of your accreditation points to check for validity, hit the highlighted Details. Remember that the accreditation points on the report do not include any employer sponsored training, selfstudy courses and industry participation as these are subject to assessment. The applicant will need to provide this information complete with documented evidence at time of application or recertification. CCE CERTIFICATES AND BADGES In order to protect the integrity of the CCE programme, all CCE certificates and badges issued will display the year of expiry being three years from the year of issue. Upon recertification the CCE member will receive a new certificate and badge with a new expiry year shown thereon. CCE PROMOTIONAL EVENTS At each National Conference an exclusive event for CCE members only will beheld. The event will be complimentary and invitations will be sent to all current CCEs and recent graduates who will be recognised and presented with their pins and certificates. CCE s who have successfully recertified will be presented with their updated certificates and badges at the National Conference or the next divisional function following their recertification. Divisional CCE chairs in each State should organise exclusive CCE events throughout the year. GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION Enquiries and grievances in relation to the CCE programme should in the first instance be referred to the Division s CCE chairperson. All enquiries and grievances should be made in writing detailing relevant information pertaining to the enquiries and/or grievances and those parties involved. Any enquiries received must be promptly acted upon. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 10

11 Divisional CCE chairs will be guided by this policy and procedure in the handling of enquiries and the resolution of grievances. In need the matter may be referred to the CCE Director. If necessary the AICM s grievance policy should be invoked and those procedures followed. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY This Policy and Procedure may vary from time to time, subject to periodical reviews and updates to our: Articles of Association of The Australian Institute of Credit Management or By-Laws of The Australian Institute of Credit Management or Australian Institute of Credit Management Code of Ethics or Operations and practices. A current version of this Policy is located at CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 11

12 CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE (CCE) Director Portfolio Description Title: Director Australian Institute of Credit Management Director AICM Learning Services Pty Ltd Portfolio Director: Affiliations: Performance Coach: Works in conjunction with: General Duties as Director: Certified Credit Executive AICM Academic Board Australian President/Chairman of the Board Divisional Certified Credit Executive Chairs, PD Director and PD Chairs Participate as an active and positive member of the Board and Institute. Attend and actively participate an all relevant meetings and Institute activities. Attend and actively participate in all relevant planning and implementation forums. Embrace and observe all articles, by-laws and statutory requirements. Embrace, observe and promote the Institute Code of Ethics. Provide an environment where all members can acquire, improve and advance their professional standards. Act with integrity, honesty and professionalism when dealing with all stakeholders. Promote the Institute as the pre-eminent provider of credit education and qualifications. Promote an environment within the Institute which is creative, dynamic and positive. Maintain a relationship with relevant outside forums which have an impact on the credit industry. Specific Duties as Director: Attend all Board meetings, actively participate and communicate all Board decisions and directives throughout the Institute. Attend all Division Council (Division which Director represents) meetings, actively participate and communicate all Board decisions and directives. Monitor and ensure compliance with statutory obligations, by-laws and articles at a Board and State level. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 12

13 Ensure the business is a sustainable entity for the future. Report to the Board portfolio activities and make recommendations for future directions in line with the Institute s strategic objectives as determined from time to time. Maintain active communication with portfolio directors of relevance to the CCE programme. e.g. Professional Development, Member Services, Specific Portfolio Duties: Develop, implement, monitor and maintain compliance of the CCE Policy and Procedure Monitor, manage, implement, maintain and continuously improve the CCE programmes within the Institute. Participate as an active and positive member of the Academic Board. Maintain a credible and visible portfolio profile within the membership of the Institute. Maintain a credible and visible portfolio profile within the credit industry and the wider business environment. Chair all National portfolio meetings. Convene, lead, direct and motivate the portfolio chairpersons in formulating and delivering the strategic operational and financial imperatives of the portfolio throughout the Institute. Ensure the CCE examinations maintain integrity and relevance. Oversee the induction, certification and recertification of CCE at division level through the division chairpersons. Adjudicate on matters at variance with CCE Policy and Procedure. Carry the necessary audit functions of the portfolio to ensure and maintain integrity of the CCE Programme. CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 13

14 Appendix 1 Description Components/ Units CCE Accreditation AICM Registered Training Organisation (RTO) All AICM Training Components/Units 2 Day Programme 10 pts per day AICM Professional Development Workshops with CCE course number 1-4 Hours I pt per hour of delivery Seminars with CCE course number 1 Day or longer I pt per hour of delivery Personal professional development (read AICM magazine) 2 pts per year Credit Network Active Participation 2 pts per year Special considerations eg honours, awards, achievements Submission Req d 1 pt per award AICM National Seminars & Conference One Day National Seminar with CCE course number I Day Program I pt per hour of delivery to a maximum of 10 pts per day National Conference with CCE course number Submission Req d I pt per hour of delivery to a maximum of 10 pts per day Accredited Courses External to AICM Degree Bachelor of Commerce or Accounting or Law Submission Req d 5 pts per completed unit to a maximum of 70 points Diploma in Financial Services TAFE or other RTO s Submission Req d 5 pts per completed unit to a maximum of 70 points Courses accredited by the CCE Director on Application Submission Req d I pt per hour of delivery Non Accredited Courses External to AICM Employer sponsored training & Education without CCE accreditation e.g. Credit Industry, Mgm t based, CPA, IPAA Submission Req d I pt per hour of delivery AICM & Non AICM Participation as Trainer or Speaker AICM RTO qualified Trainer As detailed above in AICM Training Components/Units Pts as allocated to course AICM Course co-ordinator Pts as allocated to course (provided they are present for duration) Instructor at non AICM degree/diploma/certificate course Provide details 2 pts per paper Panellist or speaker at AICM event Provide details 2 pts per presentation Panellist or speaker at non AICM or industry event Provide details 2 pts per presentation Article(s) Published credit industry related topics/publications (minimum 700 words) Provide details 2 pts per article published State Division Participation (Only one applies in any one year) Service on a Special Tasks/Projects/Council sub-committee Provide details 1 pt per year Service on a Division Council Provide details 2 pts per year Service as a Division Portfolio Chairperson Provide details 2 pts per year Service as a Division President Provide details 3 pts per year National Participation Service on a National Task Force/Project Committee Provide details 2 pts per year Service as a Director/Board member Provide details 3 pts per year Service as the Australian President/Chairperson (2 yr term) Provide details 4 pts per year Work Experience (For initial applications only Maximum 50 pts) Total Number of years experience in the credit industry Total Number of years experience as a manager/supervisor 5 pts per year 2 pts per year CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 14

15 Number of people supervised or who are directly responsible to you 1-3 people 4-6 people 7-10 people 11 plus people Portion of time spent on credit control 0-25% 26-50% 51-75% % Receivables responsibility $250,000 plus $1,000,000 plus $5,000,000 plus 1 pts 3 pts 4 pts 5 pts 3 pts 5 pts 8 pts 10 pts 1pt 2 pts 4 pts CERTIFIED CREDIT EXECUTIVE POLICY & PROCEDURE 15