CPA Australia

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Channel • 4 Shows

Business

Business

Updated 6 Jan
Education

Education

Updated 1 Jan
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Careers

Monthly
Business News

Business News

Twice monthly

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
2 FEB

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

2 Feb

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12 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
05/08/2024

2024 mergers and acquisitions update

Curious about the latest mergers and acquisitions trends in Australia? Dive into why dealmakers are feeling confident despite a slowdown in overall activity for 2023. Unpack the reasons behind this cautious optimism and explore what's driving M&A trends across different deal sizes – small cap, mid-market and large cap. You'll also discover how the Australian M&A market stacks up against the rest of the world, learn the industries for consolidation and the opportunities in the world of M&A for the 2024-25 financial year. Listen to this insightful episode and stay informed on prevailing market sentiment in M&A. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment Policy Manager, CPA Australia Guest: Stephen Craig CPA, a Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) expert and partner at Pitcher Partners Melbourne, where he helps private business owners, private equity and multinational corporations negotiate as well as supporting them through deals. The Pitcher Partners mid-year 2024 dealmakers report is available to read online. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube 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

05/08/2024

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16 min
01/08/2024

The power of heat maps for sales and costs data

Looking for ways to gain deeper insights from your sales and costs data in Excel? This episode explores the power of heat maps, a data visualisation technique often used for climate data, but equally effective for business analysis. For fast access, use these timestamps: 0:15 – Using heat maps for sales and cost information. 1:59 – Colour scales options and settings. 5:15 – Conditional formatting and top and bottom rules. 7:27 – Using the large and small function. Listen now for insights into this multi-functional Excel tool. Host: Neale Blackwood CPA has more than 20 years of experience as a Microsoft Excel educator. He is the author of more than 200 INTHEBLACK articles as well as a book, Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud With Interest Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

01/08/2024

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10 min
22/09/2024

My career as an auditor (and why I love it)

Natcha Lertanuntrakul is a dedicated auditor with a passion for the profession. And as the 22-year-old explains, it's not just about number crunching. Auditing is a varied role that includes client visits, people skills and offering valuable insights for businesses. In celebration of Auditor Proud Day 2024 - which recognises the crucial role auditors play in upholding strong corporate governance and supporting businesses around the world - she shares her journey and experiences. Don't miss out on this insightful chat. Host: Tiffany Tan, external reporting and assurance lead, CPA Australia Guest: Natcha Lertanuntrakul, auditor at William Buck, a firm of accountants and advisors in Australia and New Zealand For more information, you can find qualified auditors and the auditor registration at CPA Australia's website. The INTHEBLACK website also features a number of insightful articles, including how auditors manage competing deadlines and auditing as a career aspiration. You can also listen to an earlier With Interest episode on auditors from 2023, which focuses on the changing expectations of the profession. For more career information on auditing and other professions, check out CPA Australia's website. And 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 INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

22/09/2024

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15 min
02/09/2024

How to successfully implement AI into your business

Stanford University's Erik Brynjolfsson joins us to share insights on how business can leverage AI to boost productivity, innovation and growth. In this episode, Erik explores the key role of a CFO in the AI era, strategies for staying competitive in today's digital world, and the AI skills professionals need to stay ahead. He also dives into the future of work, the growing importance of intangible assets, and the ethical implications of AI development. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading AI thought leader and academic. Host: Aidan Ormond, digital content editor, CPA Australia Guest: Erik Brynjolfsson, Senior Fellow at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI and Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab. He is also the Ralph Landau Senior Fellow at Stanford's Economic Policy Research Institute, a Professor by Courtesy at the Graduate School of Business and Department of Economics, and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Known for his groundbreaking research on the economics of information, Erik has written bestsellers and holds a PhD from MIT and degrees from Harvard. For more information on Erik's research work at Stanford University, head to the Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty research page. Erik is also appearing at CPA Australia's Congress 24 in Canberra this October. It's an in-person and virtual event, featuring insightful and inspiring thought leaders who'll share their ideas on a variety of topics to help level up your professional knowledge. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube 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

02/09/2024

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20 min
14/10/2024

What are you worth? New salary trends revealed

Explore the Hays 2024-25 salary guide, celebrating 45 years of insightful reporting on the Australian and New Zealand job market. Learn key trends and salary ranges essential for accounting, finance and business professionals in today's job market. With input from over 15,000 respondents across 26 industries, a key finding reveals that 77% of employees are considering new job opportunities, primarily due to the rising cost of living. Discover further insights on skills shortages and the permanence of hybrid work arrangements and gain actionable strategies to navigate the current job market and address talent shortages - whether you're an employee seeking new opportunities or an employer looking to attract the right talent. Tune in for views and data that could shape your career or hiring strategy. Host: Christine Gounder, digital content leader, CPA Australia Guest: Caroline Edwards, NSW Director, Accountancy and Finance at Hays You can read the Hays Salary Guide 2024 for more insights on the Australian and New Zealand job market and recruitment trends. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. And 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 INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

14/10/2024

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14 min
30/09/2024

How to add a user interaction into Power Query

Reports are crucial to your work, aren't they? Power Query is a valuable tool for importing many types of data into Excel to help you create these reports. However, it does have limitations. In this episode, you'll learn how to address one of Power Query's key shortcomings: user interactions. By using staging queries, reference techniques and range names, users can dynamically filter data within Power Query based on user-selected criteria. For fast access, use these timestamps: 0:17 – About the variable Power Query function 3:37 – Implementing the query function 5:46 – Using a range name for a table 7:07 – Using a query to read the variable input 9:43 – Refreshing the power query 10:11 – Recap and use cases Listen now to learn how to add a user interaction into Power Query. Host: Neale Blackwood CPA has more than 20 years of experience as a Microsoft Excel educator. He is the author of more than 200 INTHEBLACK articles as well as a book, Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud With Interest Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

30/09/2024

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12 min
16/12/2025

Australia, India and new global trade opportunities

How do you maintain your strategic focus in such a volatile global market? Sanjeev Gandhi, Orica's managing director and CEO, shares his insightful views on this and much more. Gandhi and CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland chatted on stage at the recent ECTA (Economic Trade and Agreement) Unleashed event – a one-day conference held in Sydney between CPA Australia and the Australian (Sydney) chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The event connected CPA Australia members, community leaders, business, and government agencies to deliver practical insights and technical information on both the Australian and Indian markets. This episode is a recording of that insightful conversation. Gandhi outlines the realities of operating in more than 130 jurisdictions and explains why the last five years have marked the most unpredictable period of his career. This conversation also covers issues such as: Navigating global volatility Opportunities created by geopolitical shifts The Australia-India partnership Productivity and policy challenges in Australia Shifts from globalisation to localisation Listen in now. Host: Chris Freeland AM, CEO, CPA Australia Guest: Sanjeev Gandhi, Managing Director and CEO, Orica Head to Orica's website and LinkedIn for more information. And you can learn about this event at its CPA Australia page. 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

16/12/2025

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33 min

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

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