SMSF accountants Melbourne

SMSF specialists for Melbourne’s prudent planners

Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews
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An award-winning Australian accounting firm

SMSF multi service firm of the year awardSMSF customer service firm of the year awardIfa innovator of the year awardIfa holistic adviser of the year award

Maximise your self-managed super fund returns

For those who aren’t satisfied with the returns of retail funds and don’t want to retire on just bank accounts, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) can be an exciting solution. Self-managed super funds allow you to choose and structure your investments to maximise returns. But opportunity comes with risk, and navigating complex SMSF rules and regulations can be a nuanced challenge. But not for us.

Liston Newton is a highly lauded and well-awarded name in the SMSF industry. Our city-based specialists can help you set up and manage your own SMSF the way you want it. Our personalised approach will help you meet your financial goals.

Why don’t we discuss this over a coffee? Come in for a consultation at our Queen Street office in the Melbourne CBD. Or, let us know if you’d prefer a virtual meeting, and we’ll set one up.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9070 9959
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

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Street parking on Queen St and Flinders Ln. Secure Parking at 367 Collins Street.

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SMSF accounting services available in Melbourne

As a full-service financial specialist, we can offer far more than just superannuation review. Our advisors can tackle any challenge, from business restructuring to tax management to investment decisions.

When Liston Newton started with ReAqua, they hit the ground running, implementing changes to the business and the automation of the finance function. Their ability to take on feedback and adapt to the requests from key stakeholders has led to the business consistently improving monthly board meetings. We have found Liston Newton to be a great sounding board, and they are always available to brainstorm ideas or answer questions our business has.

Donald Fraser

CEO, Reaqua Solar Pumping

Liston Newton helped us move our accounting over to Xero. Their accountant managed the set-up and training so we felt comfortable with the software. We now have all our processes streamlined which gives us improved visibility of our business performance. This has allowed us to open two more stores without a significant increase in administration efforts.
Peter Luskan
Pandora

Secure your self-managed superannuation fund with Melbourne’s experts

Talk to us

Design a self-managed super fund to meet your goals

In a word, the primary advantage of self-managed super funds is ‘control’. That could mean control over the actual structure and investments of the fund; you may want to focus on maximising growth or selecting ethical investment opportunities. But control could also mean financial freedom; you ought to be able to retire with enough capital to fund the lifestyle you want without compromise.

Your award-winning Liston Newton SMSF accountant can help you to finance a safe, secure and comfortable retirement.

SMSF accountant responsibilities

  • Stay compliant
  • Manage and track investments
  • Minimise fees
  • Understand legislation

Learn more about your business with our comprehensive guides

At Liston Newton Advisory, we take pride in helping business owners get more out of their hard work. Our downloadable guides can give you an in-depth look at strategies and technologies that will help your business grow.

  • Discover tax strategies and business structures available to you
  • Understand and apply new business management technology
  • Get in touch with us for information tailored to your business

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Meet the Melbourne team

Nearly half a century of proven SMSF expertise

Liston Newton’s accredited team have earned laurels and recognition from nationally and internationally recognised organisations.

Australia’s most experienced and professional accountants — with industry leading qualifications and accreditations to show for it. Learn more from a specialised business accountant.

Why choose us

Provably providing a secure path to your greatest ambitions

We’ve found that what most of our clients want from us is security. Whatever their present-day business and personal goals, they ultimately want to know that when retirement comes, they’ll have the financial security to live as they like — and maybe even open a franchise of the Bank of Mum & Dad.

A self-managed super fund is a bit of a contradiction; you’re choosing to take a risk for the sake of a greater reward. Our Melbourne CBD office has become a hub for high-wealth individuals from across the state to seek advice on mitigating that risk and extending their reward. We’ve helped them secure long-term financial security by:

As our client case studies and testimonials will attest, our methodology delivers exceptional results. Our SMSF strategies are no different; we have the SMSF advisory awards to prove it.

Our methodology

Our holistic methodology for financial freedom

How we get you set

The first phase is all about establishing the fundamentals of your business and creating a strong foundation to build from. You also need to establish your long-term goals so you have a clear idea of what you're working towards.

  • Plan your goals
  • Structure your business and assets
  • Online accounting
  • People and HR
  • Protect your business and personal risk
  • Business and personal will

How we get you moving

The second phase is about gaining a deeper understanding of your business; how to make it more efficient and experience sustainable growth. This is where you transition from working in your business to working on your business.

  • Understand your numbers
  • Delegate bookkeeping
  • Systematise and automate tasks
  • Minimise tax
  • Forecast cashflow and capital needs
  • Quarterly coaching and accountability

How we get you free

The final phase is when all your hard work really starts to pay off. This is when you start using your profits to build your personal worth to a point that give you financial freedom—the freedom to work only if you want to.

  • Understand wealth creation
  • Investment portfolio
  • Investment property
  • Superannuation
  • Succession and exit planning
  • Your legacy

Our Melbourne case studies

We take community service seriously

It’s easy to zone out when businesses discuss corporate social responsibility. For many, it’s just a marketing opportunity. Not for us. Our Melbourne CBD team have selected a set of charities close to their hearts, and have used their business and financial expertise to serve those initiatives as best they can.

  • The Cancer Council’s Small Business Advisory Service
  • The Type 1 Foundation for diabetes education and prevention
  • Several community sports teams in Wantirna, Richmond and St Kilda

And that’s just one of our offices. We have several teams scattered around Australia (actually, we’ve got another local team of SMSF accountants in South Melbourne), and each one serves a unique set of local charities and initiatives.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Can a Melbourne-based SMSF accountant help navigate ATO scrutiny?

Yes, local SMSF accountants are well-equipped to support clients through ATO reviews, especially given Melbourne’s high concentration of self-managed super funds.

An experienced SMSF accountant in Melbourne will know how to:

  • Identify common ATO red flags specific to local investment structures
  • Help prepare thorough documentation ahead of audits
  • Liaise with the ATO to resolve compliance concerns on your behalf

With the ATO increasing its focus on SMSF compliance, particularly in capital cities, choosing a Melbourne-based advisor gives you relevant, up-to-date support grounded in local precedent.

How can Melbourne SMSF accountants assist with limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs)?

LRBAs are a popular strategy for property acquisition through SMSFs, and Melbourne accountants are highly familiar with their structure.

A qualified local SMSF accountant can:

  • Help structure your LRBA to comply with SIS Act requirements
  • Collaborate with lenders offering SMSF-specific products in Melbourne
  • Monitor repayments and fund performance over time

Because property investment through SMSFs is common in Melbourne, local accountants often have close relationships with SMSF-friendly banks and brokers.

Are there local restrictions on SMSFs investing in Melbourne commercial property?

There are no location-specific laws that restrict SMSFs from investing in Melbourne commercial property, but local market conditions can influence strategy.

Melbourne-based SMSF accountants can help evaluate:

  • Vacancy rates in targeted areas (e.g. inner-north, bayside)
  • Property value trends based on your investment timeline
  • SMSF compliance when leasing to related parties

Many SMSF investors in Melbourne pursue commercial property due to its potential for rental yield and long-term appreciation, but proper structuring is essential to avoid compliance breaches.

What role does an SMSF accountant play when members relocate from Melbourne?

If you or other fund members move interstate or overseas, your Melbourne SMSF accountant can help manage the impact on residency requirements and compliance.

While an SMSF can remain valid with non-resident members, strict rules apply. Your accountant will assess:

  • Whether the fund still meets central management and control tests
  • Impacts on contribution limits or tax residency
  • Any ATO notifications or changes to trustee structure

Melbourne SMSF accountants familiar with cross-border considerations can help protect your fund’s complying status.

Do Melbourne SMSF accountants help with estate planning inside the fund?

Yes. Estate planning is a critical but often overlooked aspect of SMSF management, and Melbourne accountants with SMSF expertise are well-versed in this area.

They can support:

  • Binding death benefit nominations that comply with SIS regulations
  • Tax-effective distribution of SMSF assets to beneficiaries
  • Integration of SMSF planning into broader estate plans

Given the number of intergenerational wealth transfers occurring in Melbourne’s eastern and bayside suburbs, local SMSF accountants are increasingly focused on succession.

How do SMSF accountants in Melbourne charge for their services?

Pricing varies, but most Melbourne SMSF accountants offer fixed annual packages or tiered fees based on fund complexity.

You can generally expect:

  • A fixed yearly compliance and admin fee
  • Hourly or project-based charges for strategic advice or tax planning
  • Optional add-ons like audit coordination or property acquisition support

Reputable Melbourne firms will outline all costs upfront, helping you understand the value behind each service tier.

Tech is a tool, not a magic lamp

‘Artificial intelligence’ seems poised to revolutionise how we live and work. Every day, AI tools find new ways to shock and awe us with their capabilities. But, as with the emergence of every epoch-defining technology, there is a strong stink of hype in the air. Businesses who do not understand the technology, including SMSF accountants, are quite ready to turn it into the very core of their business. Not us.

Liston Newton believes in using technology, including AI, to optimise and streamline our processes. But it is a tool to be used by experienced specialists, not a magic lamp with which to wish up quick-fix solutions. We will always offer you strategies conceived of, researched and approved by accredited specialist accountants.