When you run a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), annual audits may feel like paperwork; however, experienced trustees recognise that SMSF audits represent one of the most effective safeguards available. Not in a bureaucratic manner, but in a genuine, pragmatic sense, one that could reduce compliance breaches, regulatory consequences and subsequent economic costs.
Independence: The Core of Reliable Audits
Independence is governed under the APES 110 Code of Ethics. Yet, breaching the independence requirement is one of the most common reasons an auditor becomes disqualified by ASIC.
An independent auditor means that they’re not you, your friends or family members, your accountant, someone you are familiar with, or someone you can influence. The threats to independence are self-interest, self-review, advocacy, familiarity, and intimidation.
Among all the threats, self-review risk appears most often. When your accountant or financial advisor is closely involved in managing the fund, they may be too close to the details to notice issues. This is commonly referred to as a self-review threat. An independent auditor brings an objective perspective and can raise the necessary, and sometimes challenging, questions.
An auditor is required to assess any independent threats and put appropriate safeguards in place, ensuring their judgment remains impartial throughout the audit.
Reviewing Compliance to Keep the Fund on Solid Ground
Each year, the auditor reviews nearly all activities undertaken by the fund. This may involve investment purchases and disposals, benefit payments, and types of contributions. The key references are the SIS Act and Regulations, the Tax Act, the fund trust deed and investment strategy.
For example, suppose the SMSF holds a commercial property that is leased to a related business, the auditor verifies that the property qualifies as business real property in accordance with the applicable definitions, reviews the lease agreement and confirms the rent is at arm’s length value. This ensures that the property is not an in-house asset and protects the fund from being disadvantaged by non-commercial terms.
Across all transactions, whether assets are acquired, borrowing arrangements are in place, or investment risk is taken, the auditor checks that the fund’s actions are permitted and appropriately documented.
The goal is not to identify misconduct, but to ensure that every decision can stand up to scrutiny. The clarity provides peace of mind that trustees deeply value.
Engage Early to Prevent Problems
Here is an insight that many trustees overlook: there is no requirement to delay engaging your auditor until after the conclusion of the financial year. Working with an SMSF auditor at the planning stage allows trustees and accountants to consider compliance implications before the transactions are executed.
If you are considering complex transactions such as establishing a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, acquiring an asset from a related party, or structuring a related-party lease, seek an auditor’s view first. Superannuation law does not always align with common logic. A transaction that feels appropriate at the time can later prove non-compliant. Rectification after the event may trigger penalties or significant restructuring costs. For example, if an asset can’t be purchased from a related party, the transaction needs to be unwound.
By checking in with the auditor first, not only can you establish an appropriate structure from the outset, but you will also have a clear understanding of the documentation and evidence required for the audit.
Financial Reporting Integrity Supports Better Decisions
Every audit has two components. A compliance audit, which ensures adherence to all superannuation laws. A financial audit, which verifies that financial statements represent the actual balances and transactions of the fund.
The financial aspect is crucial because it affects tax reporting and trustees’ planning decisions. Overstated asset values or misreported income could lead to decisions such as withdrawing more pension payments than necessary or believing there is more balance available for investment.
When a fund has multiple members, the auditor also ensures that the interests of all parties are equally protected and that no member is disadvantaged.
SMSF Audits Matter to the Whole System
There are more than 650,000 SMSFs in Australia, managing assets exceeding A$1 trillion (ATO June 2025 data). It is a significant portion of the nation’s retirement resources invested in funds managed by individual investors rather than large institutions.
SMSF audits collectively preserve the credibility of the SMSF sector, which ensures that SMSFs are managed responsibly and that retirement savings in this sector remain secure.
A Partnership That Protects Retirement
SMSF audits are more than legal obligations. They safeguard the fund’s assets, assist trustees in meeting their obligations and avoiding common mistakes, and protect the long-term retirement outcomes.
The auditor’s role enhances the entire SMSF framework through independence and early problem identification. The most successful trustees involve their auditor as a collaborative partner, and they benefit from stronger compliance and a more resilient fund.
Byline: Access Super Audit is a trusted SMSF auditor, established in 2012, providing high-quality and streamlined SMSF audits across Australia
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