A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a retirement fund that its members run themselves. Starting one takes paperwork: a trust deed, a trustee structure, registrations with the Australian Taxation Office and a bank account. After that, the fund needs financial statements, an independent audit and a tax return every year.

Many trustees in Bendigo want one firm that can do both jobs: set up the new fund, then keep its accounts. All six firms below say on their own websites that they help set up an SMSF. This article compares how each one describes the setup and the ongoing work. The list is in no particular order.

A national option for setup and accounting

It can help to compare local firms with a published national price. SMSF Australia accounting is one example. SMSF Australia sets up funds for a fixed $2,000 + GST, then runs the annual accounting in fixed fee tiers. It has no Bendigo office and works with trustees nationally over Zoom.

1. G2 Accounting

G2 Accounting’s pricing page speaks to trustees who are “setting one up (or thinking about it), or moving from another accountant”.

The firm charges “one fixed monthly fee” that “covers the whole year – financials, tax, audit and support”. Its SMSF pricing is “Simple $270/month” and “Complex from $320/month”. Both include the annual financial statements, the SMSF tax return and the independent audit.

The Complex tier also covers “LRBA & geared property” and “GST & BAS lodgement”, for funds that borrow to buy property or are registered for GST.

2. Venture Financial Advisers

Venture Financial Advisers runs Venture SMSF Services in Bendigo. The team describes itself as SMSF Specialist Advisors.

The firm helps with “setting up an SMSF that aligns with your goals” and also works with existing funds. It offers a “tailored investment strategy aligned with your goals”, and trustees get online access to view their fund at any time.

3. Beattie Financial Services

Beattie Financial Services says: “Starting an SMSF involves having a discussion with you.” It also takes on existing funds.

Its ongoing services include data entry, financial reports, the tax return, actuarial certificates and title searches. The firm can source an independent auditor, and it also offers ASIC-approved SMSF audits as a separate service. Beattie works with accountants, individual trustees and financial planners.

4. Atium Accounting

Atium Accounting works with trustees “establishing your first SMSF, changing accountants or simply looking for more proactive service”.

The firm prepares financial statements, member statements and the SMSF Annual Return “before arranging the mandatory independent audit”. For funds paying a pension, it helps with pension commencement documents and minimum pension calculations, and it handles TBAR (transfer balance account) reporting.

Atium says its SMSF compliance services “are available to trustees anywhere in Australia”.

5. Stephen Bates CPA

Stephen Bates CPA offers a straightforward service: “We can guide you through the process of SMSF setup, assist with compliance, and prepare all required reports and tax returns.”

For super fund trustees, the practice prepares financial statements, annual reports and tax returns.

6. RSM Australia

RSM Australia is a national firm. Its Victorian offices are in Melbourne and Ballarat, and its national SMSF service lists “self-managed superannuation fund setup” and SMSF audit.

RSM also offers “total and timely management of all your SMSF compliance obligations (including external audits and ATO reporting)”. Its services extend to purchasing property through a fund and to estate and succession planning.

What an SMSF setup package usually covers

Setup packages vary, so it helps to see one example in full. SMSF Australia’s fixed $2,000 + GST establishment fee includes the $636 ASIC corporate trustee fee, the trust deed, binding death benefit nominations, an investment strategy template, ATO registrations, rollovers and help with the bank account. The same list is a useful way to compare what other firms include in their setup price.

Conclusion

All six firms say they set up new funds, but they describe the rest of their service differently. G2 publishes monthly fees, Venture offers investment strategy support, Beattie and RSM also provide audits, Atium covers pension paperwork, and Stephen Bates offers a simple setup and compliance service. Compare what each includes, then choose the one that fits your fund.