Susan Orchard

Member of the GAAP Consulting Network, and Principal of Susan Orchard Chartered Accountant

Susan Orchard B Comm, CA, FFIN specialises in providing superannuation services to accountants, financial planners and fund trustees. The services offered include audit, compliance, consulting and training. These services are provided to a number of organisations that includes The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Deloite Touche Tohmatsu, Task Technology, and a number of accounting practices.

Susan has an excellent knowledge of superannuation from working in the industry for over 20 years. Initially. Susan was involved in fund administration and computer system development and testing for various life offices. She then joined Price Waterhouse where she was involved in the audit of superannuation funds and the implementation of compliance programs within large funds.

In 1998, Susan established her own practice and also became the Superannuation Technical Consultant for the ICAA. Her role with the ICAA involved working with legislators and regulators on superannuation technical matters. She provided regular technical reviews of Audit Guide 4 ‘The Audit of Superannuation Funds’ and its replacement ‘GS009’ produced by the Australia Audit Standards Board (AuASB). Susan represented the ICAA on various ATO committees, and is a regular speaker on superannuation matters at various ICAA forums and provides regular training sessions around the country. She has also been regularly published on superannuation audit and technical matters.

Susan became part of the GAAP Consulting Network on 1 December 2008 to service the increasing demands of the client base for superannuation advice and training.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate – The Institute of Chartered Accountant in Australia
• Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning – Securities Institute Australia
• Bachelor of Commerce (Insurance & Accounting) – Deakin University
• Fellow Financial Services Institute of Australia

EXPERIENCE

Over 20 years experience in superannuation, including over 10 years operating a specialist superannuation accounting practice. A diverse range of superannuation experience that includes:

• Superannuation Accounting and Audit
• Superannuation Compliance
• Technical Research on Emerging Issues
• Product Development
• Business Systems Analysis and Testing
• Fund Administration
• Training on audit of SMSFs and Superannuation Compliance

PREVIOUS SENIOR POSITIONS HELD

Susan Orchard Chartered Accountants: Superannuation Consulting,
Audit & Training (1998 – )

Provision of superannuation consulting services to accountants, financial planners and fund trustees, in regard to superannuation compliance and legislative matters.

Auditor in Charge of approximately 6 Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) and involved in the development of audit work programs, review of work papers, analysis of complex compliance issues and evaluations of breaches, and the preparation of audit qualifications and audit contravention reports.

The development and presentation of training for staff at all levels on SMSF audit and superannuation legislation, including providing ‘Audit of Self Managed Superannuation Funds’ training nationally for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Superannuation Consultant: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (1998 – 2008)

Provided superannuation technical services, amongst others, to The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australian that included:

• Working with legislators and regulators on superannuation technical matters and providing information to members via journals and e-bulletins
• A technical review of Audit Guide 4 ‘The Audit of Superannuation Funds’ and GS009; it’s replacement, produced by the AuASB
• Representing the Institute on various Australian Taxation Office committees including, NTLG Superannuation, SCC and SCC Education and Communications, and
• Regular speaking assignment at various forums, communicating on superannuation matters with staff at all levels, and been regularly published on superannuation audit and technical matters.

CLIENT PORTFOLIO

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
• Doquile, Perrett, Meade (General Superannuation Consulting, Training & Fund Reviews)
• McGregor West (General Superannuation Consulting & Training)
• Sage Private Clients (General Superannuation Consulting & Training)
• Various local accountants (General Superannuation Consulting & Training)