SMSF Graduate program

Launch your career in SMSF auditing

Our program combines real-world experience, structured learning, and ongoing mentorship in a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to learn, grow, and build a career you can be proud of.

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12-month structured program

Mentorship from award-winners

Multiple career pathways

Full study support

Over 12 months, you’ll gain experience across the SMSF audit lifecycle, working on real client audits alongside our experienced teams. You’ll progress through a structured audit pathway, gradually building your skills and confidence as you move through each phase of the program.

This approach allows you to develop at a supported pace while gaining experience across a wide range of SMSF funds, helping you grow both technically and professionally over time. From early on, you’ll contribute meaningfully to audit work, apply what you’re learning in real scenarios, and develop the technical knowledge and professional judgement required of a high-quality SMSF auditor.

What you’ll gain from the Graduate Program:

You’ll build real confidence, skill and ability, not just knowledge
You’ll gain hands-on experience that sets you apart early in your career
You’ll be supported by people who genuinely care about your development and are invested in your success
You’ll have a clear pathway to professional qualifications
You’ll start your career with strong foundations and real opportunities ahead

Who we designed this program for

Our graduate program is designed for graduates with qualifications in accounting or commerce who are curious about SMSF auditing and motivated to learn. We’re looking for people who enjoy problem-solving, care about quality, and want to build their skills over time in a supportive environment.

We value strong foundations, but we place equal importance on attitude, adaptability, and how you work with others. If you’re collaborative, detail-focused, and keen to grow, you’ll feel at home here.

What we're looking for:

An interest in learning and developing professional skills
Clear communication and thoughtful problem-solving
A collaborative mindset and willingness to ask questions
Alignment with our values of respect, collaboration, and excellence.

Months 1-3

Settle in and build confidence

You’ll be supported to find your feet, learn the basics of SMSF auditing, and understand how the work comes together - all while being guided, encouraged, and never expected to know everything upfront.

Months 4-6

Grow your skills through real experience

As you become more confident, you’ll take on broader audit work, learn how to handle different fund types, and start applying your knowledge in real situations with ongoing support from your team.

Months 7-9

Build depth and professional confidence

You’ll work on more complex audits, develop stronger judgement, and begin working more independently, knowing support is always there when you need it.

Months 10-12

Get ready for your next step

You’ll start taking greater ownership of your work, build confidence in client and quality responsibilities, and have clear conversations about your career path and what comes next beyond the graduate program.

Dedicated mentor

You’ll be paired with experienced mentors from day one, someone you can turn to for guidance, questions, and support as you build confidence throughout the program.

Team support

You’ll work in collaborative teams where learning is shared and help is close by. Questions are welcomed, support is available day-to-day, and you’re never expected to figure things out alone.

Regular check-ins

Regular check-ins provide open conversations, feedback, and coaching to help you reflect on progress, work through challenges, and keep moving forward.

Learning community

You’ll be part of a group of graduates who share experiences, learn and support one another as you build your careers.

Professional capability

You’ll develop the skills that matter in practice, including problem solving, communication, time management, teamwork, and professional judgement, learning through real work, feedback, and coaching along the way.

Technical confidence

You’ll build a strong, practical understanding of SMSF legislation, audit processes, and fund structures, supported by experienced team members who help you apply your learning confidently in real client audits as your skills grow.

Industry insight

You’ll gain a clear understanding of the SMSF landscape, regulatory expectations, and professional standards, helping you see how your role contributes to clients, the team, and the broader profession.

Technology readiness

You’ll become confident using industry leading audit and administration platforms, data and reporting tools, and emerging technologies, with training and support that helps you focus on quality, not just systems.

Learning and development support

Structured training, study support for CA and CPA, and ongoing development beyond your graduate year.

Mentorship and guidance

A dedicated mentor, regular feedback, and support from experienced team members throughout your journey.

Tools to do your best work

Modern technology, equipment, and platforms that support quality work and learning, without unnecessary complexity.

A workplace you’ll enjoy being part of

A certified great place to work, strong team culture, and opportunities to connect through graduate cohorts, social activities, and industry events.

Client relationship focus

If you enjoy working with people, build a career focused on client relationships. Become a trusted point of contact, using technical knowledge and communication skills to support clients and deliver exceptional experiences.

Quality, review and risk

If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy improving standards, you can move into roles focused on review, quality, and risk; working on complex audits, supporting others, and shaping best-practice processes across the business.

Technical specialist

If deep technical work interests you, you can develop into specialist roles, researching legislative change, solving complex SMSF issues, developing resources, and providing expert guidance across teams.

Leadership and people development

If you’re motivated by developing others, you can grow into leadership roles, supporting teams, mentoring future graduates, shaping direction, and contributing to long-term success.

Corporate and business support

If you're interested in how the business operates, explore corporate opportunities in learning and development, operations, systems, innovation, or quality, strengthening how our organisation grows.

Frequently asked questions

When does the program start?

Typically our graduate program commences in September of each year.

What locations are available?

We recruit graduates primarily for our Adelaide and Melbourne offices.

Do I need prior audit experience?

No. You’ll progress through a structured audit pathway, gradually building your skills and confidence as you move through each phase of the program.

We’re looking for people who enjoy problem-solving, care about quality, and want to build their skills over time in a supportive environment.

Can I work part-time or study while in the program?

To ensure your success our graduate program is full-time opportunity. The journey is designed to build confidence first, capability second, and independence.

What happens after the 12-month program?

You will transition into an audit role with ongoing development, clear career pathways and support towards either CA or CPA professional qualifications.

Is the program paid?

Yes. From day one, graduates receive competitive salaries plus other benefits and rewards.

What if I'm completing my degree mid-year?

Our graduate recruitment process commences in July each year. We are always happy to hear from candidates who are completing their studies mid -year.

Do you sponsor visas for international students?

No. We don’t offer visa sponsorship. We encourage graduates who are Australian citizens or who have the appropriate working rights visa to apply for our graduate program.

How to apply

Start your application

Submit your current CV and academic transcript so we can understand your studies, experience, and areas of interest.

We also ask for a short cover letter that helps us get to know you a little better. There’s no one “right” answer; we’re interested in understanding what motivates you and how you think. You might like to share:

What interests you about SMSF auditing
What drew you to ASF Audits
What do you enjoy contributing when working with others
How does this graduate program fit with your longer-term career goals?