Kaplan Professional has developed an efficient and practical solution for qualifying accountants seeking a limited Australian financial services licence (AFSL).
The Intensive Limited Licence Program for Qualifying Accountants is a customised offering that delivers the training and units of competency required to provide advice on SMSFs and superannuation under Regulatory Guide 146.
Qualifying accountants include certified practising accountants (CPA), chartered accountants (CA) or members – Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA).
The intensive program includes a challenge test as well as a tailored skills-based workshop, covering the advice-giving process, how to apply the structural requirements of a statement of advice (SOA) and creating appropriate strategic recommendations.
It also includes interactive case studies, which can be applied to the assignment.
The program is now open for enrolments and has three weekly workshops in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
“It was imperative to devise a proactive solution that complements and acknowledges qualifying accountants’ industry experience, while honing the skills they will need to meet regulatory requirements in a manner suited to busy and established professionals,” Kaplan Professional chief executive Brian Knight said.
“We have made it as accessible as possible by offering weekly face-to-face workshops in each east coast capital city, including weekend options, because we understand the majority of qualifying accountants will appreciate the flexibility.
“The program enables qualifying accountants to display their proficiency in superannuation and SMSFs, and the face-to-face workshop provides a hands-on environment to develop the skills to translate strategic recommendations into a SOA format.”
Kaplan Professional was well equipped to support accountants to gain the compliance they needed ahead of 1 July and the intensive program allowed flexibility for completion time frames, Knight said.
“We know many qualifying accountants need the limited AFSL to continue to be a trusted adviser to their clients … the exemption is not going to be repealed, so it is all about supporting experienced qualifying accountants through this transition that will ultimately shape their core business,” he pointed out.
“It would be unfortunate to see some limit their options by not completing the necessary training.”
