Important Reminders for SMSF Trustees and Auditors

Key Requirements for Appointing and Engaging Approved SMSF Auditors

The ATO reminds SMSF trustees that they need to appoint an approved SMSF auditor for each income year, no later than 45 days before they need to lodge their SMSF annual return.

An SMSF’s audit must be finalised before the trustees lodge their SMSF annual return, as the trustees will need some information from the audit report to complete the annual return.

An SMSF’s auditor is to perform a financial and compliance audit of the SMSF’s operations before lodging.

An audit is required even if no contributions or payments are made in the financial year.

An approved SMSF auditor must be independent, which means that an auditor should not audit a fund where they hold any financial interest in the fund, or have a close personal or business relationship with members or trustees.

If a fund doesn’t meet the rules for operating an SMSF, the auditor may be required to report any contraventions to the ATO.

Superannuation is one of those areas that can be compared to a cart on a rollercoaster. Its performance is constantly affected by the economic climate and shifting legislation that alters the benefits individuals and businesses can gain from superannuation funds. Read more here about how Omnis Group can help.

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Justin Flavel

Managing Director

Justin’s experience spans across 20 years in accounting, financial analysis and general business practice.

Although born and bred on the land, Justin’s interest was more in spreadsheets, ledgers, and finance which led him to attend university. In 1992, Justin graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. As well as qualifying as a CPA member and becoming a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia, he began gaining practical experience in small and mid-tier accounting practices.

During the late 90s, Justin decided to expand his horizons and travel through Europe. It was during this time that he seized the opportunity to expand his knowledge on the workings of large organisations by taking on roles in multinational corporations.

Today, Justin’s passion is in facilitating businesses to grow and evolve. His focus is on acting in the role of business mentor to help clients develop the full potential of their businesses. He joins clients on their unique journey, and provides the tools and knowledge they need along the way to make the right decisions.

Justin’s aim for his clients parallels his own philosophy and personal journey—focusing on his own career growth and business success while maintaining balance in his life with his wife and three daughters.

Omnis Group Managing Director - Justin Flavel