A self-managed super fund gives you greater control over your retirement savings than a typical managed super fund, because you and your fellow members act as the trustees. This control comes with real responsibility; as a trustee, you’re legally responsible for ensuring your fund meets its obligations under superannuation and tax law, even if you’re relying on professionals to help you do it.
As your SMSF accountant, we help you manage that responsibility properly. We provide self-managed super fund accountant support that covers the accounting, compliance and administration side of your fund, so you can focus on your personal circumstances and long-term retirement goals with confidence. As a superannuation accountant, our job is to make sure the fund itself is sound, so the bigger decisions about your retirement are built on solid ground.
Whether you’re establishing a new fund or looking for an accountant to take over ongoing administrative support for an existing one, we bring the knowledge and experience needed to keep your fund compliant, without the stress of working through the regulations yourself.
We work closely with our clients to understand their financial situation as a whole, not just their super fund in isolation, so the advice we give reflects your actual circumstances rather than a generic approach.
What We Do
Running an SMSF well means staying on top of a legal requirement to comply with superannuation and tax law, on top of the usual demands of managing your own retirement fund.
Our SMSF accounting services are built to cover that ground properly. We help establish your fund and complete the registration requirements with the ATO, so it’s set up correctly from day one. From there, our ongoing administrative support includes preparing financial statements, completing your fund’s tax return, and coordinating with an independent auditor each year to keep your fund compliant.
As a registered tax agent, we act on your behalf with the ATO for your fund’s tax obligations, and we keep across changes to super regulations so you don’t have to.
We also guide trustees through the legal aspects of running a fund, including the rules around borrowing and property within an SMSF, so you understand exactly what’s required before making any investment decisions.
As accountants, we’re not licensed to give personal investment advice, and we’re upfront about that. For retirement strategies and specific investment decisions, we introduce you to trusted referral partners so your SMSF accounting and long-term retirement goals stay properly connected, rather than sitting with advisers who don’t talk to each other.
Why Choose Us
Many of our SMSF clients have been with us for years, and they’ll tell you the same thing: knowing your fund is being properly managed gives you real peace of mind.
We’re a registered tax agent with genuine knowledge of the complexities involved in self-managed superannuation, not just general accounting, and we work as a dedicated self-managed super fund accountant for every client on our books
We provide ongoing administrative support so your fund remains compliant with ATO obligations year after year, not just at setup
We handle financial statements, tax returns and audit coordination, so trustees aren’t left completing complex forms themselves
We’re upfront that we don’t provide personal investment advice ourselves, and we introduce trusted referral partners for retirement strategies and investment decisions, so you get properly coordinated support
Established in 1993, we’ve supported clients through decades of change in superannuation law, and we’re proud of the trust that’s been built
Testimonials
Posted on GoogleThe Allens
Incredible accountants. They just care so much, they go above & beyond. They welcomed us as business rookies, and patiently continue to go beyond the scope of what’s expected to help us. Huge thank you to Heather, Katie and Tea!Posted on GoogleCaitlyn Tremble
John, Heather and the entire team at the Garis group have been incredible to deal with. John took the time to sit down with me one on one to help set up as a sole trader and answer all my questions. The team helped me get set up with Xero and are always incredibly responsive and informative when I have queries. They have made my tax returns painless. Thanks for all your help over the past 2 years Garis Team.Posted on GoogleGrace Brayne
I scheduled an appointment with The Garis Group for a few weeks out but noticed some issues I might face with *individual* deductions for the upcoming financial year (I was super stressed!). I asked if I could see them sooner, and John responded after hours to fit me in as a new client the next day. Their service exceeded all expectations, and I’ll definitely continue using them.Posted on GoogleAnthony Jovceski
Best accounting firm in Newcastle. I've used John and his team for over 5 years with my personal finances and business finances. The Garis Group always exceed my expectations. I'd recommend The Garis Group to anyone looking for a professional firm that go the extra mile. Anthony.Posted on GoogleDave Le Breton
John, Heather and the team have been looking after our growing company with the highest standards of care and attention over the last 4 years. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and great communicators, they really go above and beyond with their level of service and we have always felt extremely well looked after for all our accounting needs. I would highly recommend them to any individual or business.Posted on GoogleKatarina McNamara
Paul's Tennis Academy has been working with Jim, John, Heather and the team for many years now. TGG have always been there for us, ready to answer any questions and provide the level of support we need. The Garis Group rocks! I would not hesitate recommending them.Posted on GoogleLeesa Brown
Super knowledgeable and always helpful. They have guided and helped build our successful business. The team at The Garis Group go above and beyond to ensure we understand the figures, offering friendly advise and guidance on business decisions. Can not thank them enough. Couldn't do it without John and his team.Posted on GoogleChris and Jaclyn
John explains things clearly and he’s incredibly knowledgeable. We see him not only as a trusted advisor – using his business acumen to be candid about when we should and shouldn’t do something – but also as an extension to our team. Essentially John allows us get on with running our business, so we can sleep at night knowing we’re not going to get caught out by the tax man.
Frequently Asked Questions
Self-managed super funds come with genuine complexity, so it’s normal to have questions before you commit to setting one up or switching accountants. Here are some of the questions we’re asked most often.
A self-managed super fund is a superannuation trust structure set up for between one and four members, who also act as the fund’s trustees. This gives members greater control over how, where and why their retirement savings are invested, compared to a typical managed super fund.
A complying SMSF is generally taxed at a concessional rate of 15 per cent on its assessable income, the same concessional rate that applies to other complying super funds. Funds that don’t meet the rules for SMSFs can be taxed at the highest marginal rate instead.
As trustee, you’re legally responsible for ensuring your fund complies with superannuation and tax law, including keeping accurate records, arranging an annual independent audit, and acting in the best interests of all fund members. A good superannuation accountant helps you meet these obligations properly, rather than leaving you to work them out alone.
Yes, subject to specific rules, including restrictions on purchasing from related parties or using the property personally. Borrowing within an SMSF to purchase property is also possible under limited recourse borrowing arrangements, but there are strict legal requirements around how this is structured, so it’s worth getting advice before you commit.
We start with a free business consultation to understand your fund and your personal circumstances, then set out a fixed price agreement so you know the cost upfront, with no surprises. This applies whether you need a self-managed super fund accountant for a straightforward fund or one with more complex investments.
Whether you’re setting up a new self-managed super fund or want a superannuation accountant who’ll actually stay on top of your compliance obligations, we’re here to help.
Book a free business consultation with our team, and we’ll talk you through what working with an SMSF accountant could look like for your fund, with a fixed-price agreement so there’s no guesswork about cost.
Mon-Fri: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed