Self-managed superannuation fund auditors

1. Conducting SMSF audits
2. SMSF auditor independence
3. SMSF audit quality
4. Regulatory framework
5. Registration of approved SMSF auditors
6. Competency requirements for SMSF auditors
7. Obligations of approved SMSF auditors
8. Related resources

1. Conducting SMSF audits

Guidance for conducting SMSF audits.

• AUASB Guidance Statement GS 009 Auditing Self-Managed Superannuation Funds
• ATO Auditing an SMSF
• ATO SMSF news and alerts
• SMSF auditor's report form 

2. SMSF auditor independence

APESB requirements and guidance

• Code of Ethics APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
• APESB Independence Guide – Fifth Edition, May 2020 

3. Audit quality resources

4. Regulatory framework

An approved auditor must audit SMSFs annually under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA).

An approved SMSF auditor must be registered with ASIC under section 128B of the SISA. ASIC has responsibility for registering approved SMSF auditors and setting competency standards.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is responsible for monitoring the conduct of SMSF auditors. The ATO may refer an auditor to ASIC for non-compliance, which may impose any necessary administrative outcomes. Legal requirements about the structure of an SMSF are contained in the relevant SISA and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR). These are summarised in GS 009 Auditing Self-Managed Superannuation Funds, paragraphs 11 and 12.

5. Registration of approved SMSF auditors

In order to be eligible to audit a SMSF, you must be registered as an approved SMSF auditor with ASIC. 

ASIC Regulatory Guide 243 Registration of self-managed superannuation fund auditors (RG 243) sets out the requirements for registration, how to apply for registration and the ongoing obligations for approved SMSF auditors.

Applications are submitted online using ASIC Connect and the registration requirements include:

• being an Australian resident
• passing a competency exam
• having the prescribed practical experience
• holding certain qualifications.

In addition, ASIC must be satisfied that you are unlikely to contravene your obligations, are capable of performing your duties, are a fit and proper person and are not subject to a disqualification or suspension order.

ASIC maintains a register of approved SMSF auditors and a register of banned and disqualified SMSF auditors, under the SIS Act.

6. Competency requirements for SMSF auditors

Joint Accounting Bodies withdraw SMSF auditor competency requirements

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) (“the Joint Accounting Bodies”) have withdrawn Competency Requirements for Auditors of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds. This is to simplify the SMSF auditor competency framework and eliminate duplication that has emerged, it does not change the competency requirements of SMSF auditors.

Originally issued in February 2008, it set out the minimum competency requirements for members of the three accounting bodies who sign audit reports for SMSFs. It formed the basis of ASIC Class Order CO 12/1687 Competency Standards for Approved Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Auditors in December 2012. ASIC has now repealed the Class Order because, overtime, it has gradually been superseded by: 

• Requirements in the:
  • Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994
  • Auditing and assurance standards issued by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB)
  • Professional, ethical and independence requirements in APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board (APESB).
• The ASIC registration process for becoming an Approved SMSF Auditor, including the SMSF auditor competency exam.
• The ASIC and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulatory oversight functions.

Importantly, the knowledge required by candidates to succeed in the SMSF auditor competency exam is set out in the learning objectives on the ASIC website.

Competency exam

The SMSF auditor competency exam was developed by ASIC in consultation with industry. ASIC’s website provides details for booking your exam and what the exam covers, see SMSF auditors - competency exam.  

The syllabus for the exam addresses the following learning objectives.

Resources useful in preparing for the exam:

• AUASB Guidance Statement GS 009 Auditing Self-Managed Superannuation Funds 
• ASIC Regulatory Guide RG 243 Registration of self-managed superannuation fund auditors 
• Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA)
• Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (SISR) 
• APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
• The Auditor Contravention Report and Auditor Contravention Report Instructions  

7. Obligations of approved SMSF auditors

The ongoing obligations of approved SMSF auditors include:

• complying with any registration conditions imposed 
• undertaking continuing professional development
• complying with the ASIC Competency Standards and AUASB Standards, including Australian Auditing Standards and ASAE 3100 Compliance Engagements
• meeting the independence requirements in APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
• holding professional indemnity insurance
• lodging an annual statement with ASIC
• notifying ASIC of specific matters and activities.