There is an increasing onus on SMSF auditors to detect fraud and the processes to do so are becoming more substantial, a leading practitioner has said.

Advocating on behalf of clients can compromise the level of independence an auditor is seen to have, a leading specialist practitioner has said.

Instances of SMSF auditors having to modify their independent audit reports due to an inability to obtain sufficient evidence regarding asset valuation as a result of the coronavirus economic environment are expected to rise, the ATO has said.

The role of SMSF auditors has been stipulated by the ATO with regard to the early super access COVID-19 relief instrument.

The ATO has indicated there is no appetite among regulatory agencies to ease the continuing professional development requirements for SMSF auditors.

Situations where an SMSF auditor is being intimidated by a client can be managed if the practitioner cannot resign the account, a leading practitioner has said.

Contraventions of super laws that might arise as result of rental relief measures do not need to be reported by auditors for the current financial year, the ATO says.