CPA Australia

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Channel • 4 Shows

Business

Business

Updated 31 Mar
Business News

Business News

Updated Twice Monthly
Education

Education

Updated 1 Apr
Careers

Careers

Updated Monthly

31 MAR

From ledgers to the new AI world

Accounting has evolved dramatically, but its core purpose stays unchanged - enabling trust and better decision-making. In this episode, hosted by Australian comedian Lehmo, learn how the profession has moved from manual record keeping to a strategic role centred on judgement, governance and value creation. Additionally, explore why AI is transforming tools rather than replacing expertise. Key learnings from this episode: How accounting has evolved from bookkeeping to strategic decision support Why trust, integrity and governance sit at the centre of the profession How global crises have expanded the role of accountants over time The shift from financial data to broader enterprise data responsibilities Why AI enhances accounting rather than replacing it The growing importance of professional scepticism in an AI-driven world How accountants can contribute to AI governance and auditing Why communication and judgement remain critical skills What the next generation of accountants needs to succeed Listen now for more. Host: Anthony "Lehmo" Lehmann, popular Australian comedian Guests: Dr Jasvinder Sidhu, accounting academic and historian Kaushika Jayalath CPA, principal solutions consultant, Oracle, and a CPA Australia board member Head to Lehmo's site for more information on his services. And learn more about this episode's guests Kaushika Jayalath CPA and Dr Jasvinder Sidhu at his staff profile. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe on the channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

31 Mar

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44 min
24 MAR

Payday super checklist

Payday super is one of the most significant payroll changes in years, and businesses need to act now to be ready. This episode is like a checklist, breaking down what the shift to real-time super payments means in practice, how compliance will work and what employers should be doing before the July deadline. Key learnings: What payday super actually requires beyond more frequent payments How the seven-day contribution rule will affect payroll processes Why cash flow planning is critical under the new system How to prepare payroll systems and work with providers effectively The risks of incorrect employee super fund data and how to fix it What changes from ordinary time earnings to qualifying earnings mean How the ATO will approach compliance in the first year Key actions for businesses using clearing houses before they close What high-balance super members should consider ahead of new tax rules If you handle payroll, finance, or business operations, this conversation will help you avoid common pitfalls, as well as help you take practical action before the deadline to avoid disruption and penalties. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, CPA Australia Guest: Richard Webb, superannuation lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia For more, head to the ATO Payday Super guide. CPA Australia also has resources on superannuation. And this article offers more insight. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest INTHEBLACK https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack INTHEBLACK Out Loud https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud Excel Tips https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

24 Mar

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15 min
5 DAYS AGO

Navigating business uncertainty

It's a volatile world, and businesses are under pressure. In this episode of With Interest, Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead at CPA Australia, explores how businesses are navigating an increasingly unstable global environment marked by geopolitical conflict, cost pressures and economic shocks. The conversation draws on insights from CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey to unpack how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are coping, and what separates those that merely survive from those that emerge stronger. The discussion emphasises that while volatility is becoming the norm, uncertainty does not have to result in paralysis. Instead, thoughtful planning, investment in capability, and trusted advice can help businesses build resilience and position for long‑term growth, even as governments and markets remain focused on short‑term crises. Key areas covered: How global conflicts, fuel price shocks and inflation affect small businesses across Australia and the APAC region. How a risk‑averse mindset changes business decision‑making, and the risks of focusing only on cost‑cutting. What role accountants and advisors can play through scenario planning, forecasting and calming decision‑making. Why businesses that continue investing in technology, innovation and management capability perform better during crises. If you're navigating uncertainty in business, this episode has expert insights to help. Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Guest: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia For more, head online for CPA Australia's 17th Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. CPA Australia also has tips for managing through tough times and managing through a high cost environment ABC News finance journalist Alan Kohler talking about fluctuating oil prices on April 7, mentioned in this episode. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest INTHEBLACK https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack INTHEBLACK Out Loud https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud Excel Tips https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

5 days ago

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23 min
17 MAR

Economic outlook for 2026: Australia and APAC

Gain a clear view of where the Australian and Asia-Pacific economies are heading and what it all means for finance leaders in 2026. The headlines say volatility. The data tells a more nuanced story. Inflation, interest rates, productivity and more are all explained in plain terms, translating macroeconomic signals into what matters for business leaders today. Listen for an expert view of: The economic cycle that Australia and APAC are entering The likely direction of interest rates over the next 12 months Which indicators matter most when tracking inflation The key skill you need to help you prepare for the year ahead These insights will help you understand where the Australian and APAC economies are heading, and how this may influence decision-making this year. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Paul Bloxham, chief economist, Australia, New Zealand and global commodities, HSBC To read online articles by Paul Bloxham, head to his news page on the AFR. For more economic insights visit INTHEBLACK https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/economy Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube, where you can subscribe to the channel for regular content. And don't forget to subscribe to INTHEBLACK and share this episode with your colleagues and friends in the business community. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

17 Mar

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24 min
3 MAR

AQ for finance leaders

What do you do when there is no playbook? Many finance leaders have built their careers on accuracy, clarity and control. But today's operating climate is defined by uncertainty rather than stability. Market turbulence, rapid advances in AI, organisational redesign and ongoing talent constraints are converging at the same time. In this context, success depends on more than just IQ or EQ. It now also hinges on your adaptability quotient (AQ). In this episode, explore how finance professionals can build the capability to work confidently through ambiguity while preserving the discipline and standards that underpin strong accounting practice. You will learn: the difference between adaptability quotient (AQ) and adaptive leadership why change feels harder today and how complexity affects performance how to use the observation, interpretation and intervention model practical ways to avoid common thinking traps such as catastrophising and blame how to create psychological safety without lowering standards tools such as the balcony and dance floor perspective and the productive zone of disequilibrium. If you want to strengthen resilience, improve decision-making and lead confidently through uncertainty, this episode offers practical steps you can apply immediately. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, CPA Australia. Guests: Catherine Althaus, professor at UNSW Canberra, and Kathryn McEwen, organisational psychologist. For more information, head to Kathryn McEwen's website. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

3 Mar

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21 min
1 APR

Increment dates easily in Excel

What if you could simplify Excel date calculations with one powerful custom function? Well, this episode explains how. You'll learn: How to handle different date increments including days, weeks and months in one function Using the SWITCH function to create a lookup table How the LAMBDA function can be deployed Best practice tips for this custom function Listen now to improve your Excel skills. Host: Neale Blackwood CPA. He has more than 20 years of experience as a Microsoft Excel educator and is the author of more than 200 INTHEBLACK articles as well as a book, Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants. For more, check out the accompanying video for this episode. Read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK. Loving this content? Don't forget to subscribe to EXCEL TIPS and share this episode with your colleagues and friends in the business community. Would you like to listen to more Excel Tips and other CPA Australia podcasts like INTHEBLACK and With Interest? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. And don't forget to subscribe to the channel. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK Excel Tips INTHEBLACK Out Loud Search for them in your podcast platform. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

1 Apr

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7 min
20 JAN

With Interest: Payday Super explained ahead of 2026 rollout

Did you know that one of Australia's biggest superannuation reforms in decades is starting in July 2026? Are you prepared for the change? In short, with legislation moving through Parliament, Australia will move from quarterly to payday-based superannuation payments – a significant shift with implications across business. This expert-led episode, featuring three guests, explores the systems issues and regulatory implications as well as why Payday Super is happening and the benefits of this change to employees. Key takeaways include: How cash flow, payroll systems and compliance will be affected by this change The closure of the Small Business Super Clearinghouse (SBSCH) How the seven-day payment rule will work for missing payments Practical steps accountants can take to help prepare clients early Listen now for expert advice to help you prepare for the changes coming soon to superannuation in Australia. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, INTHEBLACK Guests: Kristen Yarbrough, Product Manager at CloudPayroll Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Richard Webb, Superannuation Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Learn more about CloudPayroll at its website and its LinkedIn account. And you can read an article about Payday Super on INTHEBLACK. Loving this episode? Tune in to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

20 Jan

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18 min
10 FEB

INTHEBLACK: Do you want to be happier at work? New research shows how

We all want to be happy at work. Or at least happier, don't we? Across this conversation, listeners will learn about a foundational concept: Success often follows happiness rather than causes it. Drawing on research in positive psychology, the episode outlines how mindset, habits and self-awareness account for a large share of overall wellbeing, far outweighing external circumstances. It also explains how small, consistent practices such as learning to be grateful can recalibrate the brain's natural bias toward the negative. Listeners will learn: The relationship between happiness and leadership Positive psychology as a field of research Research data on happiness and how it's a 'skill' The key components of developing workplace happiness and contentment How to recognise 'green-light moments' Ways to shift out of work-related ruts, regain perspective and avoid catastrophising This Career Hacks episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for that elusive happiness factor at work. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Declan Edwards, happiness researcher, speaker, coach and consultant. He is founder of the BU Happiness College, which has a vision of making the skills and science of happiness more accessible to individuals, organisations and the world. For more information, head to the BU Happiness College on LinkedIn. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. Click subscribe on the channel to stay updated on the latest episodes. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

10 Feb

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21 min
3 FEB

Cognitive bias in decision-making

Cognitive bias. It quietly shapes many of the decisions made in accounting and finance – often without you realising it. This unintended bias can become a risk if left unchecked – especially in professions built on precision, trust and ethical responsibility. Drawing on real-world examples, this episode explores the diverse types of cognitive bias, and how they can impact accounting and finance professionals in our day-to-day work. Key learnings include: Why cognitive bias exists and when it becomes a professional risk How common biases affect financial judgement The ethical consequences of bias in accounting and finance How organisational culture can reduce or reinforce biased thinking Practical steps individuals can take to challenge assumptions and improve decisions How the rise of AI and automation adds a new layer of complexity to decision-making The discussion also shows how biases such as confirmation bias, anchoring and overconfidence quietly influence decisions, often without conscious awareness. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Victor Goh Weng Yew, a PhD in applied psychology and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology at HELP University in Malaysia, where he is also the acting dean. For more, head to HELP University online and to its page on LinkedIn. And there is a CPA PD course on AI and Ethics in Malaysia featuring expert local speakers, case studies and examples. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

3 Feb

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21 min
17 FEB

Office romance: How to manage the risks

Workplace romance happens more often than most people realise. While at its heart (no pun intended) it's a personal matter, companies today have obligations under legislation that affect how these relationships are managed. When colleagues become romantically involved, there are ways to handle it that respect personal freedom while managing organisational risk. This episode examines that tricky balancing act of respecting privacy with the current legal and ethical responsibilities of companies. Key points in this episode include: The view of office romances from today's organisational perspective The importance of having a strong understanding of the law around this specific area Policies or guidelines that should be in place to manage office romances responsibly Effective strategies for communicating these relationship policies to staff The potential for a conflict of interest and the duty to prevent sexual harassment Recognising ethical red flags in relationships with significant power imbalances Navigating the risks associated with alcohol and off-site corporate events Love in the workplace isn't just a plotline in your favourite drama. It's a reality many professionals navigate. Tune in for guidance. Host: Belinda Zohrab, Regulation and Professional Standards lead, CPA Australia Guest: Jodie Fox, employment lawyer and director of Worklogic, a consultancy firm that works with employers. She is also an honorary senior fellow of the University of Melbourne's Law School. For more information, head to Worklogic's website and its page on LinkedIn. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help support your career journey. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

17 Feb

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15 min

CPA Australia podcasts provide commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting.