The Times Australia
Business and Money

AI-driven compliance: A new era for superannuation management


In the wake of over 100 payroll reviews and the oversight of $70 billion in wage and entitlement spending, Yellow Canary has uncovered a growing 'snowball effect' on payroll compliance.

What initially began with high-profile cases of underpayment has gradually expanded to a broader range of compliance challenges. These challenges now include managing the complexities of modern awards, employment agreements, long service leave, and, most recently, the intricacies of superannuation compliance.

Superannuation compliance has emerged as a particularly pressing concern for businesses across various industries. This area of compliance involves a labyrinth of detailed pay codes, diverse and complex payment scenarios, and the subtleties of Enterprise Agreements that can vary greatly and impact the calculation of superannuation.

The rise in public scrutiny around superannuation underpayments has made reputation risk management a top priority for employers. High-profile cases highlight the systemic risks and significant financial implications of non-compliance. In many instances, these underpayments have resulted from unintentional misinterpretation of legislation and misunderstandings of obligations under existing Enterprise Agreements. However, public perception often boils down to a view that brands are simply failing to pay their employees correctly.

Beyond the reputational damage, there are also substantial additional costs associated with underpaying superannuation which include nominal interest, shortfall and administrative fees. When issues are left unresolved, even seemingly small inaccuracies can accumulate into significant penalties.

With the Fair Work Ombudsman intensifying its scrutiny on underpayments and other compliance failures, businesses can no longer afford to adopt a reactive approach. Instead, a proactive, strategic stance is now essential to mitigate risks and maintain compliance.

Traditional methods of managing superannuation compliance are often fraught with difficulties, primarily due to manual intervention and systems not being able to handle the complexities of superannuation. Such methods are prone to human error, which can lead to incorrect superannuation calculations.

Moreover, issues such as the improper handling of self-claim systems and mistakes in managing set-off arrangements, Superannuation Guarantee (SG) liabilities can cause ongoing inaccuracies. These inaccuracies, especially when reflected in balance sheet provisions for employee liabilities, can compromise the accuracy of financial reporting, complicate decision-making, and potentially impact overall profitability.

“Superannuation compliance is not just a matter of ticking boxes. It requires meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to manage the complexities involved,” said Marcus Zeltzer, Founder & Managing Director of Yellow Canary. “The introduction of AI and machine learning technologies is a game-changer, offering solutions that go beyond traditional compliance management.”

AI-powered tools and automation offer a robust solution to these challenges by enabling businesses to adopt a more proactive stance on compliance management. These tools facilitate automated, real-time analysis and reporting, which reduces the dependence on time-consuming manual processes and allows businesses to stay ahead of ever-evolving compliance requirements.

These advanced technologies also enable predictive analysis, automate complex reporting tasks, and seamlessly integrate data from various sources. This combination allows businesses to detect anomalies more effectively, significantly reducing the risk of manual errors, and enhancing the decision-making processes.

With the recent launch of Yellow Canary’s new AI-powered Superannuation Compliance tool, businesses now have a powerful resource to more effectively manage both current and emerging superannuation compliance issues.

“Businesses can't afford to be reactive anymore,” added Zeltzer. “The landscape of superannuation compliance is becoming increasingly complex, and the consequences of non-compliance are too severe to ignore. AI and automation are not just a luxury; it’s becoming a necessity to maintain compliance and protect against the increasing scrutiny and complexity of superannuation non-compliance.”

About Yellow Canary

Yellow Canary is challenging the traditional approach to workforce compliance with its leading automation solutions. Our automated platform enables our clients to proactively manage their workforce compliance obligations across employee payments, entitlements, superannuation, and long service leave.

Our solutions help businesses to navigate the complexities of the industrial relations environment in Australia and provide both historical and ongoing compliance reporting options.

Learn more about Yellow Canary’s AI-powered Superannuation Compliance tool here: https://www.yellowcanary.com.au/solutions/superannuation-compliance

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...

Tricia Paoluccio designer to the stars

The Case for Nuturing Creativity in the Classroom, and in our Lives I am an actress and an artist who has had the privilege of sharing my work across many countries, touring my ...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...