New job super checklist

Starting a new job usually comes with a bit of admin: tax file number, bank details, onboarding docs… and somewhere in there, your employer will ask where to pay your super.

It’s a small task for sure, but it’s also a rare chance to take a proper look at your super and make a few decisions that could really matter later on.

Mozo research found a third of Australians check theirs less than once every two years. Eight percent have never checked it. Another eight percent didn’t even know they could.

In other words, their super often runs in the background. But that doesn’t have to be the case. 

So while it’s already on your radar, why not take the time to review it properly? Here’s how to do that, and why it’s worth it.

Before we get into what to look for, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how super works when you start a new job.

• If it’s your first job, your employer will have a default fund. If you don’t nominate your own, you’ll be placed into the fund’s basic MySuper option, which is usually a low-fee, balanced investment. That might suit you, but it’s still worth doing your research. You’re free to choose a different option, or a different fund altogether.
• If you’ve already got a fund, make sure your new employer uses it. If you don’t give them the details, they’ll just open a new account for you in the same type of default fund mentioned above. That can mean extra fees and more admin down the line, especially if you end up consolidating later. If you’re happy with your current fund, great; all it takes is a simple form when you start.

But if you’re not happy with your current fund, or you’re new to the game, here's how to go about getting your super affairs in order.

Now that you have a good excuse to give your super a closer look, here are some tips to help you get it set up the right way.

1. Identify your goals. Super is about the long term, so it’s worth being clear on what you need and how much risk you’re comfortable with. A lot of this has to do with your age, risk appetite, how hands-on you want to be, and how much money you’ll likely need for a comfortable retirement.
2. Understand investment options. Super funds usually offer a few standard mixes like growth, balanced and conservative, each with a different level of risk and return. There are also lifestage options that shift your mix over time, based on a predefined risk profile according to your age. Understanding how these different options work, and align with your goals, will help you make the right choice.
3. Compare what’s out there. Whenever you are on your super journey, it’s worth comparing options. Look at fees, long-term performance, and the breadth of investment choices offered by various funds. Mozo’s 2025 Experts Choice Super Awards for Superannuation can help highlight funds that have offered strong value over time, though keep in mind past performance isn’t a guarantee of future performance.
4. Get a feel for the funds. You might not be able to use every feature without joining, but you can still get a sense of how the fund operates. Is the website clear and easy to navigate? Do they explain their options well? Do they offer good tools and resources? Heck, give them a call and ask whatever’s on your mind. That can give you a good feel for how helpful they are and how easy they’ll be to deal with. And when in doubt, it never hurts to get independent advice from a financial advisor.
5. Enroll in your new fund. Once you’ve chosen a fund you like, you can open an account either directly with them or by filling out a simple form when starting your new job. If you already have an existing super account, you can either roll over your old super into the new fund before you start, or open the new account first and consolidate it later.
6. Decide if you need insurance. Most super funds offer life insurance, which can be a handy way to get coverage without impacting your take-home pay. But it's not mandatory, and if you joined your fund before 2020, you might have been automatically opted in. Decide whether you actually need it, how much cover is right for you, and if there might be better options, including outside of super.
7. Review your super regularly. It’s a good idea to check in on your super once or twice a year. Most funds let you log in online to see your balance and review your investment settings. You can also use the ATO’s online services to view all your accounts in one place, making it easier to stay on top of your super.

Don’t be like the third of Australians who don’t give their super a second look. Starting a new job is a good time to get your super sorted, just like you're sorting your career. It’s all linked, so now’s the time to set yourself up for a comfortable retirement and save yourself some headache in the meantime.

If you’ve gone through all the steps and decided it’s time for a new fund, here are a few options worth considering: