Training confusion causing SMSF licensing delays

While licensing requirements will vary from licensee to licensee, she said, generally, the minimum training accountants need to complete is RG 105 and the financial planning, superannuation and SMSF components of RG 146.

“It can be quite confusing to an accountant who thinks all they need to do is two units when in fact that’s not going to satisfy their needs on what they want to advise on,” she said.

Analysis undertaken by Licensing for Accountants indicates that most accountants will want to do more than just the basics, Ms Bowler said.

However, training providers and licensees could themselves be part of the reason why accountants are unclear on what training they actually need to complete, she added.

“I have some concerns with both education providers and licensees who are perhaps suggesting that accountants only need to complete a limited amount of training and it will solve all their licensing needs,” Ms Bowler said.

“It may solve some, but there’s a suggestion [by these licensees and providers] that one size fits all.”

The costs relating to limited licensing are also unclear, according to Ms Bowler.

“I’ve seen anything from $3,000 to $130,000 to get a licence, so there’s got to be something a little more realistic in that range. We’d like to get some further clarity for accountants on that as well,” she said.