International Centre for Financial Services The University of Adelaide Australia
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International Centre for Financial Services
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
SA 5005
AUSTRALIA
Email

Telephone:
+61 8 8303 8398
Facsimile:
+61 8 8303 4843

Professional Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation


Overview

Investment in superannuation in Australia is accumulating at an astonishing rate and now totals over $1.17 trillion. In particular the Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) industry is rapidly increasing with over 2000 new accounts opening each month taking the total to over 387,000 SMSF's. This makes it the fastest growing sector in financial planning and wealth management.*

The SMSF industry is subject to legislative changes, compliance issues and vigorous scrutiny. Advisors in SMSF's need to increase their knowledge and skills as well as increasing the financial literacy skills of consumers.

The Professional Certificate is a unique qualification that links higher education with the requirements of industry. Courses are delivered in executive style intensive mode by academics and industry practitioners. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to receive advanced standing towards the Graduate Diploma in Global Wealth Management.

This SMSF program is suited for those wanting to give comprehensive advice of the highest quality to investors in self managed superannuation funds, including Financial Planners, Fund Administrators, Auditors and Accountants.

*Current as at 29th October 2008. Statistics from APRA Quarterly Superannuation Performance Statistics report June 2008 (issued 25 September 2008)

Download the Program Brochure for the Professional Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation  (pdf 97kB)


Applications

Please download the application form, complete and return to the address provided (pdf 113kB)

If you have any queries regarding the application please contact Tania Turner via email or on (08) 8303 8398


Enquiries

Enquiries, including details on course times and fees should be directed to:

icfs@adelaide.edu.au 

or contact:

Tania Turner, Assistant Director - Programs
International Centre for Financial Services
Phone: (+61 8) 8303 8398
Room 12 09, Level 12/10 Pulteney Street Adelaide


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Study Plan

There are two compulsory courses which comprise the Professional Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation:
SMSF 1 - Establishment & Accumulation
SMSF 2 - Distribution & Estate Planning

Self Managed Super I - Establishment & Accumulation

Participants will analyse the benefits of SMSF’s and the factors that have resulted in them being adopted by a wide range of self-employed people, employees on higher salaries with flexible remuneration arrangements and those close to retirement.  The topics covered will include the formation of SMSF’s, issues around trust deeds and the regulations governing them and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act  (SIS Act).  In addition, there will be a detailed review of compliance, investment strategies, taxation at the fund level, CGT small business exemptions and instalment warrants including the new borrowing rules.  The rules concerning related party asset acquisitions, sole purpose, in-house assets, loans to members and accepting contributions will also be examined.  Additionally, the participants will learn the rights and obligations of the trustees, members and other parties that are connected with the operation of the fund.

 
Topics Covered
General introduction to SMSF's Identify who or what entities are associates
What is a SMSF? Explain the interaction of the various investment restrictions in specific circumstances
Benefits of SMSF's Apply the transitional provisions to prescribed arrangements
Establishing a SMSF Understand the role and responsibilities of auditors
Who can give advice in relation to SMSF Explain the distinction between financial & compliance reports
Ongoing administration requirements of trustees Describe circumstances when an auditor must report breaches to trustees and Regulator
Understand general trustee responsibilities Assessable income of SMSF's
Draft investment objectives and strategy for a SMSF Non arm's length income
Be familiar with applicable legislation Deductions - insurance premiums, self insurance and Anti detriment payments
Understand and apply the principles of the sole purpose test and investment standards Identify the opportunities in the small business CGT concessions
Explain the basic restrictions that apply to investments  

 

Self Managed Super II - Distribution & Estate Planning

This course consists of two sections. Three days will focus on SMSF’s and examine estate planning, investment strategies, alternative investments, strategic opportunities and taxation.  This section will also cover the pension establishment process and will examine issues such as the use of reserves in the pension environment, the segregation of pension assets, preservation rules, the payment of benefits to members and beneficiaries and the process to follow when winding up a SMSF.

One day of the course is devoted to giving participants a general overview of the techniques used for portfolio construction and how to critically assess performance measurements.

 
Topics Covered
Sole Purpose Test - determination of benefit entitlements Continuing pension liability problems
Commencing a pension - steps to be taken Investment strategy concerns
Personal taxation issues and new pension definitions Rules around use of derivatives
Review taxation of SMSF's Modern Portfolio Theory and the Evaluation of Portfolio Performance
Specific tax issues relating to pensions Estate Planning - dealing with the new environment
Segregated vs un-segregated Winding up a SMSF - what you need to do
Use of reserves in pension environment  

 

 


Locations and Dates for 2009

Please note you are required to attend all four dates listed per course plus the exam.

Adelaide
Self Managed Super 2 Friday 27th March and Saturday 28th March
  Friday 8th May and Saturday 9th May
  Exam - Friday 5th June
   
Self Managed Super 1 Friday 7th August and Saturday 8th August
  Friday 11th September and Saturday 12th September
  Exam - Friday 30th October

Brisbane
Self Managed Super 1 Friday 14th August and Saturday 15th August
  Friday 18th September and Saturday 19th September
  Exam - Friday 6th November

Melbourne
Self Managed Super 2 Friday 21st August and Saturday 22nd August
  Friday 25th September and Saturday 26th September
  Exam - Friday 13th November

Sydney
Self Managed Super 1 Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August
  Friday 4th September and Saturday 5th September
  Exam - Friday 23rd October

Perth
Self Managed Super 2 Friday 28th August and Saturday 29th August
  Friday 16th October and Saturday 17th October
  Exam - Friday 20th November

All courses are run subject to minimum enrolment numbers being met. The International Centre for Financial Services reserves the right to cancel any course where the minimum numbers are not met.


 

Graduate Attributes

Download the official program rules. (pdf 26kB)


 

Tuition fees

The 2009 price for the full program is AU$4356 (2 courses) or AU$2,178 per course.

Financial assistance may be sought via the Australian Government's FEE-HELP scheme. 
More information about FEE-HELP can be found at: www.goingtouni.gov.au/Home.htm

 


Program Rules

Download the official program rules. (pdf 28kB)


Accreditation

spaa_logo SMSF Professionals' Association of Australia

This course is of extremely high standard and has been designed to the required standards of the Self Managed Super Fund Professional's Association of Australia (SPAA) National Education Register, and also independently certified. It is the first University Course accredited since SPAA has been compiling and developing its Education Register.

The course presents and ideal opportunity for SPAA Specialist Advisors to complete studies at a Postgraduate level as well as contributing to their professional development and satisfying a significant proportion of SPAA's CPD requirements.  

SPAA colour logo

 

Download a copy of SPAA Education and Training Register Assessment for Self Managed Super 1 - Establishment and Accumulation.

Download a copy of SPAA Education and Training Register Assessment for Self Managed Super 2 - Distribution and Estate Planning.

This program provides 202 SPAA CPD points.

 

Financial Planning Association of Australia

The Professional Certificate and Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation Funds has been Accredited by the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Accreditation number 003687 for 35 points credit of continuing professional development.

ASIC Compliance

The Professional Certificate in Self Managed Superannuation has been included on the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) Compliant Training Register. Details of compliance can be viewed here


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