Get answers to frequently asked questions about SMSF administration, fees, audit support, and onboarding. If you need further assistance, our team is here to help.

General

Do you offer SMSF outsourcing across Australia?

SMSF outsourcing Australia-wide is fully supported by SMSF Engine. While our offices are in Melbourne and Sydney, we work with accounting and advisory firms across the country.

Our digital-first onboarding and support model ensures you receive seamless service and expert assistance, regardless of location.

Can I white-label your SMSF services?

Can I white-label your SMSF services?


Yes, we offer white-labelled SMSF administration services that allow your firm to present all deliverables under your own brand while we manage the backend processing.

This is ideal for growing firms looking to scale their SMSF offering without increasing overheads, staffing, or compromising on compliance and quality.

Why Should I Consider Outsourcing SMSF Administration?

Outsourcing SMSF administration to SMSF Engine can help your firm reduce overhead, improve service delivery, and scale efficiently. What you can expect from working with us:

  • Access to specialised SMSF administration and audit support when you need it
  • Reduce the cost of managing SMSF clients without compromising quality
  • Improve profit margins on SMSF work by shifting resources to high-value services
  • Spend more time on strategic client relationships and financial advice
  • Free up your team to focus on high-margin advisory or accounting services
  • Grow your SMSF client base without the staffing burden or training overhead

Why SMSF Engine?

At SMSF Engine, we offer personalised SMSF support backed by deep industry expertise.

You’ll work with a dedicated account manager who understands your firm and is available throughout the process. Behind them is a team of SMSF professionals chosen for their specialist knowledge and technical experience.

  • Dedicated account manager who understands your business and works directly with your team
  • Specialist SMSF professionals with extensive knowledge in compliance, admin, and audit
  • Scalable service delivery that grows with your firm’s needs
  • High-quality SMSF administration at a fraction of in-house costs
  • Personalised support without the staffing overhead

How many SMSFs can I outsource?

We can support your practice whether you outsource one SMSF or a thousand.

With no lock-in contracts, you have full flexibility to engage us as needed.
Many new clients begin by outsourcing a small number of funds to test our service quality.
Once they’re confident, they scale up and entrust us with more of their SMSF work.

About the Work

What are the costs involved? Will there be additional costs?

A detailed breakdown of our pricing is available on the Fees page.

One of the key advantages of working with SMSF Engine is our transparent and simplified pricing model. We aim to minimise unexpected charges, though there are a few situations where additional costs may apply.

  • Audit Contravention Reports (ACRs) – these may incur additional auditor fees
  • Actuarial certificates, property valuations, or title searches – third-party costs apply, and we pass them on at minimal rates

We typically do not charge extra for complex fund work, as we aim to absorb those costs, clean up the fund, and retain your business long term. If any exception arises, we’ll communicate it clearly in advance.

How do I provide my client files?

To submit your client’s SMSF documents, simply log in to SMSF Engine and create a service request.
Our interactive workflow will guide you through the process of uploading all required files.

We also offer step-by-step guides to assist you, and if you need help at any point, our support team in Melbourne and Sydney is available to assist by phone or email.
For contact details, visit our Contact page.

Will I have a dedicated SMSF account manager?

Will I have a dedicated SMSF account manager?

Yes, every firm that works with SMSF Engine is assigned a dedicated SMSF account manager to monitor progress and support your practice throughout the engagement.

Your account manager will be your first point of contact, ensuring consistent communication and updates.
Senior managers are also available for additional oversight or technical input when required.

What do you need from us to ensure efficient SMSF administration?

The most common barrier to efficient SMSF administration is delayed or incomplete communication between your team and ours. Timely access to documents and prompt responses to queries are key to keeping things on track.

Our strongest partnerships are built on responsiveness. When information comes through in stages, processing slows down.
If your team can maintain consistent communication, we can deliver fast turnaround and prioritise urgent jobs where needed.

For firms with limited capacity to liaise with trustees, we also offer an enhanced service that can manage that communication directly.

What documents do I receive for each completed SMSF?

Each completed fund is returned as a professionally prepared SMSF compliance package containing all required documentation.

  • Financial statements
  • Annual SMSF Return
  • Investment reports
  • Member reports

What procedures are in place to ensure high-quality SMSF work?

To maintain high standards, we reconcile all transactions and valuations to original source documents. If any information is missing or a transaction appears unclear, we’ll request clarification or documentation before progressing.

Unresolved queries are discussed with you and if needed, with the fund auditor before finalising the accounts. This ensures transparency and accuracy at every stage.

As the adviser or accountant, you hold the clearest understanding of your clients. We recommend reviewing all financials prior to audit to ensure nothing has been overlooked.

Will you have direct contact with my SMSF clients?

No. SMSF Engine works exclusively with accountants and advisers, and we do not contact your clients directly under any of our service options.

We understand how important it is to maintain the adviser-client relationship, so all communication is routed through your firm. You remain in control of all client-facing interactions.

If clarification is ever required, we’ll reach out to you directly, never to your client.

How are queries managed during SMSF processing?

SMSF query management is handled through a structured process that ensures transparency and efficiency at every stage.

If we encounter issues that prevent us from completing the work, we’ll send you a query form outlining the issue and, where possible, a recommended resolution.

You can respond directly within the form, attach any relevant documents, and mark queries as resolved once addressed. This keeps the process clear and trackable.

How do I know what SMSF documents to provide?

SMSF document requirements are generally the same as what your clients already provide.
To get started, we typically need the trust deed, prior year accounts, member details, tax return, and annual financial information.

We provide a tailored checklist to guide you through exactly what’s required based on the specific fund profile.

Do you also prepare the annual SMSF minutes?

Yes, we prepare standard annual SMSF minutes as part of our service.
We can also assist with drafting minutes for pensions or other specific fund events if required.

Do you offer discounted rates for high-volume SMSF work?

We operate on a fixed-fee SMSF pricing model to give you full certainty of cost, regardless of fund complexity.

While we don’t offer standard volume discounts, we’re happy to discuss tailored arrangements in cases involving high volumes or automated workflows.
Please contact us to find out what may be possible for your practice.

Technology

What SMSF software platforms do you support?

We support two leading SMSF software platforms: BGL360 and Class.

These platforms ensure efficient, accurate processing and integration with your existing systems.

Security

How do I know my SMSF client data is secure?

Data security is a top priority at SMSF Engine. We ensure your files are protected from the moment you upload them, through processing, to final download.

We maintain strict confidentiality and security protocols, including:

  • Use of the latest technologies including SSL and field-level encryption
  • Independent audits of our internal and external systems
  • Full network administration and ongoing monitoring
  • Vendor partnerships based on verified due diligence

About SMSF Engine

Who owns SMSF Engine? Is it an Australian company?

SMSF Engine is owned by Sequoia Financial Group Ltd, an Australian publicly listed company (ASX:SEQ), with offices in both Melbourne and Sydney.

We work closely with trusted industry groups, including the National Tax and Accountants’ Association (NTAA), to deliver value-added services to our network of accounting firms.

What qualifications are held by SMSF Engine staff?

Our team at SMSF Engine includes formally qualified accounting and management professionals, with support staff bringing significant industry experience.

Across the business, we hold professional memberships with key industry bodies including the NTAA, Chartered Accountants ANZ, CPA Australia, and the SMSF Association.

What Australian accounting bodies is SMSF Engine affiliated with?

SMSF Engine is a member of key Australian accounting bodies, including the SMSF Association and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), which are trusted by SMSF professionals.

How are SMSF Engine staff trained?

Staff training at SMSF Engine is supported through a dedicated Learning and Development program that addresses both technical and professional development needs.

Team members also receive ongoing SMSF-specific training through industry bodies such as the SMSF Association (formerly SPAA), ensuring their knowledge remains current and compliant.

How do you keep staff up to date on Australian accounting and tax legislation?

SMSF Engine staff stay current with Australian accounting and tax legislation through regular updates from trusted industry and regulatory sources.

Our team, based in Melbourne and Sydney, collaborates through ongoing internal training sessions covering new legislation, regulatory changes, industry developments, and insights from real client cases.

Can you provide customer references?

We have a selection of SMSF client testimonials available on our website.

For more specific references, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to connect you with a similar firm, depending on the size and nature of your practice.

What are SMSF Engine’s office hours?

Our standard office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. We are closed on all Australian public holidays.

Our teams in Melbourne and Sydney are available during office hours to assist you with any SMSF-related enquiries.