Gain the knowledge and skills you need to help you excel
Flexible learning for SMSF practitioners, seasoned professionals and aspiring SMSF Specialists
Brush up on your SMSF knowledge or upskill and build on the skills you need to kickstart your SMSF career. The new standalone SMSF modules encompass a broad selection of single modules spanning a range of topics for new and aspiring SMSF practitioners, all the way up to experienced SMSF professionals.
Developed for the SMSF Specialist Advisor and SMSF Specialist Auditor programs, each interactive module has the latest information and resources; and covers technical topics such as SMSF regulatory framework, contribution standards, members interests and preservation standards, investing in SMSFs, audit engagement and independence, audit planning and risk, fraud, auditor reporting, and much more.
Refresh your knowledge on a specific topic by completing a single module, or complete a selection of modules to upskill and build on your SMSF capabilities as you progress in your career.
Use the buttons below to view the different module options:
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SMSF Module: Advice
SMSF module – Pension payment standards and paying a benefit
This Module covers how a member’s benefit can be taken as either a superannuation lump sum or as a pension and how both lump sum and pension payments are proportioned between a member’s taxable and tax-free components. This Module discusses the different pension options available to SMSF trustees, with a
SMSF module – Taxing superannuation payments
This module provides the final overlay of the taxation on benefit payments. Having identified the components of a member’s interest, how the proportioning rule works and the types of benefits that can be paid, the final step is to determine how much tax needs to be withheld by an SMSF
SMSF module – SMSF Controls – planning for life
This module outlines the requirements of the trustee in the event of the death of a member, the benefit payment options available and highlights the different definition of a ‘dependant’ for the purposes of the super and tax laws. This module also investigates the ways in which a member can
SMSF module – SMSF Regulatory Framework
This module sets the scene for the regulation of SMSFs by providing a summary of the historical events associated with Australia’s superannuation system as well as identifying the purpose of superannuation. It then looks at the role of the ATO as the Regulator of SMSFs and ASIC’s role in monitoring
SMSF module – Regulating SMSF’s
This module unpacks the advantages and disadvantages of having an SMSF before taking a step by step look at what is required to establish a SMSF that is complying and regulated by the ATO. It also takes a look at the first significant link to the tax law which requires
SMSF module – Contribution Standards
Understanding the different kinds of contributions available to members is important to ensure that there is proper consideration of the contribution standards, tax treatment and application of the contribution caps. It is also important in identifying strategic opportunities for the accumulation of retirement savings. This module provides an in depth
SMSF module – Investing in an SMSF
Having ultimate control over the investments of an SMSF, remains one of the main drivers for trustees establishing and maintaining a fund. This module highlights the importance for SMSF trustee investment decisions to be made in accordance with the fund’s trust deed, the fund’s investment strategy and the sole purpose test.
SMSF module – Taxing an SMSF
This module addresses the interaction of all aspects of the tax law that need to be understood to be able to accurately determine the tax liability of an SMSF. It explores the taxation obligations of a SMSF and looks at the taxation of ordinary income, contributions, capital gains tax (CGT),
SMSF module – Members’ interest and preservation standards
This Module outlines the various components that make up a member’s superannuation interest and explains the preservation rules which determine when an SMSF trustee can release a member’s benefit. It outlines the various conditions of release which can be met to access superannuation benefits and any related cashing restrictions that
SMSF Module: Audit
SMSF Audit – Audit Reporting
OVERVIEW The final part of the audit process is to form an audit opinion and prepare the audit report. The results of the audit are then communicated. Reporting in connection with the SMSF audit involves several dimensions and various parties. These reporting obligations must be understood to ensure that auditors
SMSF Audit – Conducting the Audit – Part B (Administration)
OVERVIEW The SMSF auditor must form an opinion on an SMSFs compliance with prescribed requirements of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) (SIS Act) and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) (SIS Regulations). This comprises Part B of the audit report. This part of the engagement is generally referred
SMSF Audit – Preliminary engagement activities
OVERVIEW It is easy to focus on the demands of practice in performing an engagement rather than the vehicle used in one’s modus operandi. But safety checks before entering the freeway are a good idea. For the SMSF auditor, they are essential. Prior to the acceptance of any audit engagement,
SMSF Audit – Audit Standards
OVERVIEW The module, Being an Auditor examined the compliance framework for the professional and statutory obligations that apply to auditors. This module examines the framework that applies to the conduct of the audit, comprising of Audit and Assurance Engagement Standards, and how it applies to the audit of an SMSF.
SMSF Audit – Being an SMSF Auditor
OVERVIEW To ensure compliance with the rules, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as the regulator of SMSFs places reliance on the work of SMSF auditors. It is a legislative requirement that the financial statements of all SMSFs are audited each year. In many respects, the integrity of the SMSF industry
SMSF Audit – Conducting the audit – Part B (Investments)
OVERVIEW The SMSF auditor must form an opinion on the SMSF’s compliance with prescribed requirements of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) (SIS Act) and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) (SIS Regulations). This comprises Part B of the audit report and is generally referred to as ‘the compliance
SMSF Audit – Conducting the Audit – Part A
OVERVIEW Under section 35B(1) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) (SIS Act), self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustees are required to ensure that a statement of financial position and an operating statement is prepared for each financial year. Section 35C of the SIS Act requires that those financial statements
SMSF Audit – Planning and risk – identification, assessment and response
OVERVIEW As part of the audit process, the auditor seeks to reduce the risk of material misstatement to a suitably low level. The identification and assessment of actual or potential risk is therefore a key part of the audit process. A risk assessment will assist the auditor in determining the