Nikki Hayward

Senior Accountant - Goulburn

Nikki Hayward is a Senior Accountant in RSM Australia’s Business Advisory division in Goulburn.

Nikki has more than eight years’ experience in accounting and a specialist focus on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). Since joining RSM in 2018 she has worked with SMSF trustees and regional SMEs, helping clients manage tax, reporting and compliance requirements and navigate more complex superannuation matters.

She is known for bringing structure to situations where records are incomplete, transactions need clarification or legislative changes create uncertainty. Nikki takes a practical approach to client work, breaking down technical requirements into clear actions and helping trustees understand what they need to do and why. Her work focuses on resolving issues early and giving clients a clear pathway through their obligations.

“I enjoy turning complex SMSF requirements into clear, practical steps for clients. I like being able to identify issues early, work through the options and help clients feel confident about what they need to do.”

Outside work, Nikki loves getting away on a cruise and is a devoted McLeod’s Daughters fan. She has also put her general knowledge to the test on a couple of game shows.

Solutions Nikki provides

SMSF accounting and tax
SMSF compliance and reporting
SMSF audit preparation
Pension and withdrawal matters
Property and borrowing arrangements
Limited recourse borrowing arrangements
Legislative change guidance
Compliance issue resolution

Significant projects

Nikki supported SMSF clients in understanding the potential impact of the Division 296 changes, reviewing their circumstances and assisting with cost-base reset considerations. This work moved beyond routine compliance and required her to provide practical guidance in an emerging area of superannuation law, helping clients understand how the changes could affect their individual circumstances.

Nikki also worked on complex SMSF matters involving limited recourse borrowing arrangements, property transactions and compliance documentation. She coordinated with clients and external advisers, identified potential compliance risks and translated technical requirements into clear actions for trustees. This helped clients address issues and meet their obligations with a better understanding of the steps involved.

Nikki has worked with clients whose annual compliance work was delayed by incomplete records and unresolved transactions. She reviewed the available information, identified what was missing and provided a prioritised list of requirements, while maintaining regular contact and coordinating outstanding information. This enabled the financial statements and tax return to progress efficiently through review and audit, turning a stressful process into a manageable one for the client.