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3 aug.
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27 aug.
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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
1 sep.

Create interactive Excel charts (part 2)

Can you make Excel reporting more interactive? Yes, you can. And it's all to do with dynamic arrays. In the second of this two-part series, discover how to create dynamic Excel charts this time using financial year calculations and checkboxes. This is useful for finance pros because the techniques allow users more control. You will learn: How to convert calendar year calculations into financial years How to use checkboxes to control ascending or descending chart order How checkboxes can figure out which metrics appear on a chart How PIVOTBY creates two-dimensional reports for chart data How FILTER, HSTACK and VSTACK can combine chart components How formatted tables allow charts to update when new monthly data is added How to build safeguards for accidentally deleted checkboxes Tune in 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. There is a useful companion video to go with this episode of Excel Tips. And you can read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. 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. 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
3 aug.

Create interactive Excel charts

Wouldn't it be useful to learn how to build interactive Excel charts that respond automatically to user input using dynamic arrays? This expert-led episode introduces the core techniques behind flexible charting in Excel, with practical examples. Key takeaways: Create charts that automatically adjust the number of months displayed Use SEQUENCE to build flexible dynamic array calculations Combine data for charts with the HSTACK function Find the latest reporting period using MAX and EOMONTH Extract and summarise data with INDEX, MATCH and GROUPBY Fix a common dynamic array date bug using a simple formula adjustment Learn why helper cells make complex formulas easier to understand This is the first episode in a two-part series on interactive Excel charts, with the next instalment in September covering more advanced reporting techniques, including financial year reporting. Tune in 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. There is a useful companion video to go with this episode of Excel Tips. And you can read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. 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. 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 maj

Template tips to boost workflows

Most finance professionals have made this mistake at least once. You open last month's file, update the numbers, hit save, and only then realise you should have saved it as this month's version of the file. This is where templates can help. In this episode, explore how Excel templates solve that problem while also improving consistency across your reporting. Main learnings: How Excel templates prevent accidental file overwrites The difference between workbook, sheet and task-based templates Where to find and manage built-in and personal templates How to create blank templates with pre-set formats and settings Using templates to embed headers, footers and branding Managing template storage, including system and shared folders How to apply templates across teams for consistency and control Tune in 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 video - https://youtu.be/RJdT6FF-w58 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 juni

Why Excel macros still matter in 2026

Excel macros are far from obsolete. And here's why. This episode explores why VBAs (Visual Basic for Applications) still play an important role in workflow efficiency for accountants and finance professionals. Key learnings: Why macros still matter in modern Excel workflows How VBA compares with Power Query The limits of Power Query for in-situ data fixes How AI can help write and debug VBA code How to automate data cleansing tasks in Excel Why VBA is a useful entry point into programming How to store macros in the personal macro workbook Ways to run macros from the quick access toolbar Listen now to help level up your Excel skills with macros. 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. 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
18 aug. · Video

Why salary is no longer enough to attract and keep talent

Salary still matters. However, it is no longer enough to attract and retain accounting and finance professionals. In this episode, explore how the Australian employment market is changing and what workers want from their careers today. The 2026/27 Hays Salary Guide answers questions you've been asking about career progression, flexibility, skills development and AI. For employers, the challenge now is building a proposition that goes beyond just pay. In the Hays Salary Guide for financial year 2026/27, you'll hear expert insights on: How salary is no longer the only factor when people change jobs How AI adoption is changing the way businesses hire and grow The key skills in demand and what can help you stand out Why career progression is becoming almost as important as salary Why flexibility has shifted from a differentiator to an expectation Where are the accounting and finance skills shortages Why technical accounting expertise still matters How accountants can move closer to commercial decision-making What recently qualified, mid-career and senior professionals can do to stay competitive Why employers need to combine remuneration with progression, flexibility and wellbeing Tune in now. Host: Adrienne Biscontin, external affairs adviser, CPA Australia Guest: John Summers, Hays business director for accountancy and finance You can read the Salary Guide Australia FY26/27 at the Hays website. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. Head to our podcast page CPA Australia - YouTube And, of course, click subscribe to the channel today. We deliver regular content that will help boost your career skills and capabilities. Additionally, INTHEBLACK online has stories on everyday ethics issues. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts 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 Excel Tips | CPA Australia With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:21 Hays Salary Guide 2026: Key labour market trends in Australia 01:15 Why career progression rivals salary for employee retention 03:27 Hybrid work expectations and talent attraction strategies 05:03 Career development plans that improve employee retention 06:05 AI adoption in accounting and finance: Training gap revealed 07:39 Accounting and finance skills shortages in Australia 2026 09:07 CPA qualification, technical accounting skills and salary growth 10:05 Employer of choice strategy: Salary, flexibility, AI and benefits 11:38 How AI and automation are changing accounting careers 12:43 Career advice for accountants: Commercial skills and decision-making 13:44 Early-career and mid-career accounting growth opportunities 15:14 CFOs, finance leaders and leading AI-driven change 15:45 Salary pressure, cost of living and retention risks in 2026 16:26 Key takeaways for employers and accounting professionals 17:03 Accessing the Hays Salary Guide 2026 and final thoughts
27 aug. · Video

How CFOs think: Why growth does not always mean profit

Growth is not the problem. Undisciplined growth is. Does revenue growth without financial discipline create value or destroy is the question at the centre of this expert-led episode. The 2025 Australian Accounting Awards CFO of the Year Priyan Fernando explains why revenue growth can mask falling margins, tightening cash flow and weakening financial discipline. Listeners will learn: Why growth does not necessarily create profitability or value Where profit commonly disappears as businesses scale up How cash flow differs from profit Which KPIs growing SMEs often overlook What a fractional CFO looks at first when entering a business How dashboards can improve financial visibility How finance leaders can challenge the assumption that growth always equals success Where to start when a fast-growing business has weak financial discipline For SME owners, CFOs and senior finance professionals, the discussion offers a practical perspective on financial controls and questions that matter as a business scales up. Tune in now. Host: Ky Chow. Ky is a business journalist, media trainer, writer and presenter. Guest: Priyan Fernando. Priyan is a CPA and founder of fractional CFO practice Metrix Advisory. He is also the 2025 Australian Accounting Awards CFO of the Year. Learn more about Metrix Advisory at its website. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. Head to our podcast page CPA Australia - YouTube And of course, click subscribe to the channel today. We deliver regular content that will help boost your career skills and capabilities. Additionally, INTHEBLACK online has stories on everyday ethics issues. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts 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 Excel Tips | CPA Australia With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
4 aug.

Cognitive bias: The hidden psychology of decision-making

(This is an encore presentation of this INTHEBLACK podcast episode, first published on February 3, 2026) 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
8 juli · Video

The essential career skill you'll need in the AI era

The data doesn't lie. With 40 per cent of workers' current skill sets expected to be transformed or obsolete by 2030, it leads to a question many are asking: How do professionals working in finance and accounting become indispensable in the coming years? In this episode, INTHEBLACK tries to answer that by exploring the one skill that professionals can focus on to help them remain valuable. The expert insights in this episode include: Why AI widens the gap between average and exceptional professionals The human skills that are becoming more valuable, not less How critical thinking protects against AI errors and hallucinations Why emotional intelligence and communication remain competitive advantages How to build a career that evolves alongside AI Practical advice for accountants, finance professionals and business leaders planning the next decade If you're looking to stay indispensable in an AI-enabled workplace, this episode offers practical guidance grounded in real-world leadership experience. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia. Guests: David Carney and Amanda Kenafake. David is executive director of the Career Industry Council of Australia, and CPA Amanda is CEO and executive director of financial services provider Power Tynan. Learn more about the the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA) at its website. Similarly, head online for more information on the services provided by Power Tynan. 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 Chapters: 00:00 Technical vs Client-Friendly Answers in Accounting 00:24 Introduction: Future of Accounting Skills and AI Impact 01:02 Pace of Change: Should Professionals Feel Alarmed or Excited? 01:32 Adapting to AI: Mindset, Experimentation, and Career Planning 02:53 Key Skills for Modern Accountants: Problem Solving and Emotional Intelligence 04:27 Does AI Amplify Performance? How to Use AI to Enhance Skills 06:02 AI as an Amplifier, Not a Leveller: Why Context Still Matters 07:30 Using AI Under Pressure: Avoiding Blind Trust in Outputs 09:14 Human Skills vs Technical Accuracy: Communicating for Client Understanding 12:40 AI Risks: Bias, Hallucinations, and the Need for Critical Thinking 13:00 Career Advice: Owning Your Learning and Adapting to Change 15:29 How to Become an Indispensable Accountant: Growth Mindset and Upskilling 16:40 Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways
2024-08-31

Learn a smart way to hide blank or zero rows

Looking to improve your report-building skills? If so, this is the episode for you. Uncover tips on how to leverage multiple Excel features to create a system that effortlessly hides blank and zero rows in your reports. Also in this episode, you'll discover the subtotal function's superpower and learn how you can use it to help identify if a filter needs reapplying. You can use these handy skills to boost your report-writing efficiency. For fast access, use these timestamps: 0:20 – Using formatted tables instead of macros for hiding rows 2:38 – About the example and tutorial file 5:10 – Applying the filter and slicer 6:35 – The subtotal function superpower Listen now. 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

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

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CPA Australia

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Build Better Excel Models

Create interactive Excel charts (part 2)

Create interactive Excel charts

Template tips to boost workflows

Why Excel macros still matter in 2026

Why salary is no longer enough to attract and keep talent

How CFOs think: Why growth does not always mean profit

Cognitive bias: The hidden psychology of decision-making

The essential career skill you'll need in the AI era

Learn a smart way to hide blank or zero rows

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CPA Australia

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