CPA Australia

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Updated 4 days ago
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Updated 1 Jan

4 DAYS AGO

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

4 days ago

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21 min
27 JAN

INTHEBLACK: Responsible AI explained - What it means and why it matters

AI is advancing fast – but is it responsible? In this must-listen episode, global AI expert Dr Rumman Chowdhury shares what you need to know about building AI systems that are fair, transparent and future-ready. Key insights and questions include: Is it too late to create a responsible AI environment? What defines responsible AI? Managing AI bias and ethical risk The rise of sovereign AI Workforce disruption: preparing for AI-driven change Is AI the final frontier for humans? Listen now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Rumman Chowdhury. She is CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, a nonprofit advancing community-driven AI auditing and evaluation. As the US Science Envoy for AI, Rumman engages in global AI governance efforts with a focus on emerging markets. Previously, she led AI ethics teams at Twitter and Accenture, pioneering enterprise-level AI risk mitigation tools. Rumman is the CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, and she is speaking at this year's CPA Congress. You can learn more about Rumman at her website. Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. 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

27 Jan

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15 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
5 DAYS AGO

Build Better Excel Models

You may know The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People as a cornerstone of modern business thinking. But what happens when those same principles from this book are applied to one of the most widely used tools in finance: Excel? In this episode, we explore how the seven habits framework can be applied by accountants and finance professionals to design and build Excel models. The focus is practical and grounded in real work, with key learnings including: How asking better questions leads to stronger Excel models Why planning and prioritisation matter before building anything Designing reports first and working back to the data Building proactive features that reduce errors and improve usability Using automation and AI thoughtfully to support the process The episode also looks at where Excel fits alongside tools such as Power BI, and why judgement and planning still matter even as AI becomes more capable. Listen now. 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 YouTube video of this episode. Loving this content? 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. Read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK. 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

5 days ago

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12 min
13 JAN

INTHEBLACK: Cultural intelligence in global finance

In an interconnected world, one trait is fast becoming a must-have skill for finance and accounting professionals. It's cultural intelligence. This episode explores how understanding cultural differences and adapting your approach can elevate trust, strengthen collaboration and deliver better business outcomes. With expert-led insights, learn how cultural conditioning shapes trust and what strategies can help you lead with authenticity while respecting cultural norms. Learn clear, actionable ways to embed cultural agility into daily practice – from client meetings to cross-border negotiations. Key learnings include: How to identify and manage cultural blind spots in finance and accounting Practical strategies to build trust across borders and multicultural teams Why hierarchy and communication styles matter in Asia-Pacific contexts How culturally intelligent leaders navigate ambiguity and high-stakes decisions Tips for balancing authenticity with cultural adaptability in global business Whether you're leading an international team, negotiating cross-border deals or simply aiming to sharpen your Asia capability, this episode will give you insights to succeed in today's global finance landscape. Host: Tahn Sharpe, INTHEBLACK Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Charlotta Oberg, Program Director, Asialink Leaders Program, Associate Director, Capability Development at Asialink Business Links: You can take a short, self-paced or facilitated course with the Asialink Business Academy. Gain credentialed Asia insights and connections through the Asialink Leader Program. And be inspired by Asia-capable leaders across sectors, including financial services. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. 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

13 Jan

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24 min
5 DAYS AGO

Can boredom boost productivity?

Research suggests that boredom, when managed well, can be a powerful signal for change and even a catalyst for greater productivity. By Nicola Heath INTHEBLACK Out Loud brings you a curated selection of audio articles from CPA Australia's award-winning magazine, INTHEBLACK. Stories span a wide range of topics, including business, career development and the economy, and offer key insights into strategic thought leadership and expert analysis. 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 app. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

5 days ago

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5 min
25/11/2025

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

25/11/2025

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17 min
23/12/2025

With Interest: Attracting accountants - How to future-proof the profession

How can we attract more accountants and future-proof the profession? In this episode we take a deep dive with IFAC into this pressing question. You'll learn about accounting's talent pipeline – its challenges and possible solutions. Key takeaways include: What's really driving the talent shortage and how firms, educators and policymakers can respond. Simple ways to position accounting as a dynamic, valued career choice. Why reaching future accountants in primary school – and harnessing gamification – sparks lifelong curiosity. How AI is reshaping (not replacing) accounting jobs, and what skillsets are essential for today's graduates. Real-world strategies to build an engaged and future-proofed accounting team. If you're in business or accounting leadership, don't miss these actionable insights to help understand and elevate the profession's future. Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External affairs, CPA Australia Guest: Bruce Vivian, Head of Accountancy Education, IFAC You can learn more about Bruce Vivian's career and his role with IFAC. And read IFAC's story on possible incentives for attracting accounting talent. Also, check out IFAC's website for its attractiveness of the profession hub which includes resources on preparing a future-ready profession and roles for the next decade. You can listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. 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

23/12/2025

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27 min
02/12/2025

How smart AI integration is reshaping business performance

AI has become one of the most-used business technologies. But delve deeper into the biz tech data and there's another story to be told. In the latest CPA Australia Business Technology Report, 89 per cent of respondents said their organisation used AI in 2025, up from 69 per cent in 2024 and 55 per cent in 2023. Yet only 16 per cent report that AI is fully embedded across their operations. Most teams are still experimenting, often relying on free or basic tools rather than structured, strategic adoption. The gap between usage and true integration points to significant untapped potential. Many core finance and operational processes are still only lightly digitised, despite clear opportunities for efficiency, clarity and improved decision-making. This episode examines how finance and accounting teams can use AI to strengthen systems and create capacity where it matters most. Drawing on the survey's findings, you'll hear how top-performing businesses integrate AI across their workflows and why mindset, curiosity and practical governance underpin successful adoption. Gain a grounded view of how firms apply AI in everyday workflows, supported by data from CPA Australia's annual tech and business report. Listen now for practical steps to help your business integrate AI. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Kyelie Baxter FCPA, Managing Director, IQ Accountants The CPA Australia Business Technology Report 2025 is a valuable resource for those who want the latest tech usage trends by business. Additionally, this YouTube webinar Securing the Future: AI, Cybersecurity & the Road to Tech-Driven Growth has related insights with industry experts and technology leaders discussing the latest trends, challenges and strategies in building tech-forward organisations. And for more on this episode's guest, head to IQ Accountants on LinkedIn. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. 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

02/12/2025

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16 min
6 JAN

With Interest: Digital reporting - Why it's time for Australia

Australia remains one of the few advanced economies still using PDFs for financial reporting – a format most global markets have already left behind. In this episode, you'll gain expert-led insights on why adopting digital financial reporting in Australia is critical to supporting trust, transparency and competitiveness in global markets. Explore how structured data allows regulators, investors and businesses to analyse and compare information more efficiently, driving better decision-making and reducing capital costs. Listeners will learn: How structured data improves accountability and investor confidence Why global markets already mandate digital reporting standards The link between digital disclosure and lower capital costs How AI will enhance – not replace – digital reporting workflows What Australian policymakers can learn from global peers Learn why CPA Australia is recommending a mandate for digital reporting by listed entities in this expert-led discussion. Listen now. Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Guest: John Turner ,CEO of XBRL International, a global, non-profit standards body dedicated to improving business performance through enhanced transparency and accountability in reporting. With a background in law, IT, and government, he has led innovation in business model design, systems development and data standards for over two decades. For more, INTHEBLACK has an article on why digital reporting should be mandatory in Australia. Additionally, this interim report from 2025 by the Productivity Commission provides broader context to digital reporting. And you can find out John Turner's organisation XBRL at its website. 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

6 Jan

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23 min

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