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Aug 3

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
Jun 1

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
May 1

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
12/01/2025

Unlock 7 underused Excel features you still need today

Handy new Excel features are added regularly – but some "older" functions are still particularly useful to your workflows. Smart power users know these older functions and their value – which is why this episode highlights some of the overlooked Excel features that are still valuable to your spreadsheet work today. Tips include: How multiple windows make it easier to copy and compare How the grouping feature works well with rows and columns How auto outline and subtotals automate structure and hierarchy in datasets Techniques for selecting visible cells to avoid errors during copying How custom lists save time and support non-alphabetic sorting This is a practical guide for anyone looking to sharpen their Excel capability, streamline reporting and improve their workflow efficiency. 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. Read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK. 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. 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
Jul 1

How to create accounting reports with DAX

From trial balances to profit and loss statements, reporting sits at the centre of modern finance. This episode explores how finance professionals can use DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) formulas and Power Pivot to build more powerful accounting reports in Excel. Learn how to create scalable, maintainable reporting models using Excel's data model, while applying techniques that can also be used in Power BI. Some of the key learnings: Understand the relationship between Power Pivot and DAX Build accounting reports using multiple related tables Overcome financial year limitations in pivot tables Correct debit and credit sign issues in trial balances Test and validate DAX measures using pivot tables Use AI to write, explain and review DAX formulas 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 YouTube video of this episode. Read more of Neale's Excel articles on INTHEBLACK, including this story that explains DAX in further detail. 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
01/31/2023

Excel Tips: New text functions for Excel

In this episode, we look at three new text functions released in the latest (subscription) version of Microsoft Excel. The functions are: "Text Before", "Text After" and "Text Split" To explain this is CPA Australia's Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA. Listen now. Host: Neale Blackwood CPA Excel Tips is for accounting, business and finance professionals looking to sharpen their spreadsheet skills and learn new hacks and tricks from Neale Blackwood CPA, a Microsoft Excel expert. Excel Tips helps spreadsheet users discover hidden features and shortcuts and understand how best to apply the newest features and functionality. The podcast is a companion to regular articles in INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia's award-winning business magazine. Neale Blackwood CPA has over 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. Excel Tips is presented by CPA Australia, one of the world's largest accounting bodies, with core services that include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia publishes three podcasts providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting. With Interest INTHEBLACK (coming soon) Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast service. To find out more about our podcasts, visit our podcast page. Or search for the shows in your podcast service. To contact the podcast team, email podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
02/06/2023

Excel tips: how to improve your formatting

Today's episode will help with your formatting in Microsoft Excel. Want to know how to make your files easier to read, understand and use? To explain is CPA Australia's Excel expert, Neale Blackwood. 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. CPA Australia publishes three podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast service. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au And you can read more of Neale's Excel articles online, including the accompanying article to this podcast.
Jun 9

Crime By Numbers: AML reforms and the gatekeepers preventing money laundering

This publication provides general information only and is not legal or professional advice. CPA Australia gives no warranties as to its accuracy, completeness or suitability and disclaims all liability for reliance on it. Listeners should seek their own independent advice for their circumstances. What does Australia's biggest AML (anti-money laundering) reform in years mean for accountants, lawyers, advisers and business owners? This episode breaks down the tranche 2 anti-money laundering reforms, the growing role of AUSTRAC, and why professional service firms are becoming critical gatekeepers in the fight against financial crime. The discussion explores how money laundering really works, why criminals target trusted advisers, and the practical steps businesses need to take to prepare for new compliance obligations. Main learnings: Why Australia is expanding AML reporting obligations How accountants and lawyers help identify suspicious activity What suspicious matter reporting involves in practice Why knowing your customer is central to AML compliance The role of AUSTRAC as regulator and intelligence agency Common red flags linked to financial crime and tax evasion How smaller businesses can approach AML compliance practically This episode offers practical guidance for accounting, finance and advisory professionals navigating Australia's evolving AML landscape. Listen now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, editor, CPA Australia Experts: Brendan Thomas, AUSTRAC CEO Geoff Peck, a former fraud squad detective with Victoria Police's major Fraud Group, and managing director Forensic & Integrity Solutions Amanda Wood, managing director, Kroll's Investigations, Diligence and Compliance Practice For more, head to the Australian Institute of Criminology website. Need help with your AML/CTF obligations? AUSTRAC and CPA Australia have a host of resources. AUSTRAC's guidance for small business is another useful resource. And head to the Crime By Numbers homepage to catch up on earlier eps in this second series as well as series 1. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK 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 Disclaimer 00:21 The social purpose of anti-money laundering 00:45 Introduction to Crime By Numbers Episode 3 01:28 AUSTRAC's role in Australia's AML/CTF regime 02:44 History of money laundering laws and Tranche 2 reforms 03:22 Why Australia is catching up with global AML standards 04:20 Why accountants and lawyers see risks banks can't 05:23 Core obligations for new AML gatekeepers: KYC and reporting 07:05 Comparing Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 compliance challenges 08:15 Embedding AML compliance into professional practices 09:37 Knowing your customer and hidden criminal risk 11:03 Business benefits of stronger AML processes 11:37 Common misconceptions about money laundering and cash 12:39 AUSTRAC guidance, starter kits, and industry support 14:29 Enforcement approach, penalties, and expectations 15:13 The real victims behind money laundering crimes 16:32 Resources for new gatekeepers and closing remarks
Jun 2

Crime By Numbers: How criminals launder money through today's networks

This publication provides general information only and is not legal or professional advice. CPA Australia gives no warranties as to its accuracy, completeness or suitability and disclaims all liability for reliance on it. Listeners should seek their own independent advice for their circumstances. Ever wondered how criminal money moves through today's financial systems? The answer is more complex today than ever before. This episode explores the networks, tactics and technologies reshaping money laundering across the world. From romance scams and money mules to crypto and the metaverse, gain practical insight into how organised crime adapts to digital finance and global markets. You will learn: How money mules are recruited and used in laundering operations Why romance scams are still one of the fastest-growing financial crimes How hawala dealers move money across borders without physical transfers The role of jewellery, food, real estate and sport in laundering activity Why cryptocurrency is creating new compliance and detection challenges How criminals are exploiting virtual worlds and the metaverse Listen now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, editor, CPA Australia Experts: Kris Wilson, from the Australian Federal Police's Joint Policing Cyber Crime Coordination Centre Brendan Thomas, AUSTRAC CEO Dr Milind Tiwari, senior lecturer the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security at Charles Sturt University in Canberra Geoff Peck, a former fraud squad detective with Victoria Police's major Fraud Group, and managing director Forensic & Integrity Solutions For more, head to the Australian Institute of Criminology website. Need help with your AML/CTF obligations? AUSTRAC and CPA Australia have a host of resources. Stay tuned for episode three coming soon where we look at the new gatekeepers being recruited to join the fight against money laundering. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK 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 Disclaimer 00:20 Could the metaverse and crypto become the next money laundering frontier? 00:43 Welcome to Crime by Numbers Episode 2 01:18 How do fake businesses, cash and invoices help launder money? 02:23 Why are accountants, lawyers, and gold dealers money laundering gatekeepers? 03:36 What is Hawala, and how does it move money without crossing borders? 05:22 How is soccer used for money laundering? 05:53 Why is the food industry vulnerable to money laundering and food fraud? 08:31 What crimes most commonly drive money laundering in Australia? 10:03 What is a money mule, and how are people recruited? 13:34 Why are crypto ATMs a growing money laundering risk? 14:40 Why does cryptocurrency make money laundering harder to detect? 15:26 How could the metaverse enable money laundering in the future? 16:54 What's next: who are the new gatekeepers fighting money laundering?
Jul 7

How auditors can spot risk before it's too late

Strong professional judgement is often the difference between identifying risk early and recognising failure only in hindsight. This episode explores what major market collapses can teach auditors, accountants and finance professionals about maintaining trust, independence and scepticism when risks are evolving rapidly. With Paul Munter, formerly of the US Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), in the studio – along with CPA Australia's audit and assurance lead Tiffany Tan – this episode offers deep insight into this important issue. Drawing on lessons from Enron, WorldCom, the global financial crisis and FTX, the discussion examines how reporting narratives can gradually drift from economic reality and why strong professional judgement remains critical. Key takeaways: What past market failures reveal about weaknesses in reporting, auditing and oversight Why audit quality, independence and professional scepticism remain essential How emerging risks such as crypto and private capital challenge traditional approaches The importance of asking better questions and challenging explanations that do not make sense Why the profession needs to do a better job explaining the value and career opportunities within audit How auditors contribute to market confidence, capital formation and investor trust Host: Elinor Kasapidis, chief of policy standards and external affairs, CPA Australia. Guests: Paul Munter served as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chief accountant (2021-25) and its deputy chief accountant (2019-21). He had previously retired from KPMG where he was the lead technical partner for its international accounting and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) activities. He is a CPA in Colorado, New York, and Florida. Tiffany Tan, audit and assurance lead, CPA Australia. You can learn more about Paul Munter here. CPA Australia also has some useful audit and assurance tools and resources. 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 Audit Independence Failure: Firm vs Practice Responsibility 00:26 CPA Australia "With Interest" Podcast Introduction – Elinor Kasapidis 00:40 Evolving Risk Landscape: Enron, WorldCom, GFC, and FTX 01:13 Guest Introduction: Paul Munter, SEC Chief Accountant Background 01:48 Enron & WorldCom: Early Warning Signs and Reporting Drift 02:56 Breakdowns in Standards, Application, and Audit Quality 04:25 Arthur Andersen Collapse: Independence and Firm Culture Lessons 06:06 Incentives and Oversight Failures: Non-Audit Services Risk 08:11 ISQM 1 and Audit Quality: Tone from the Top and Trust 08:40 Global Financial Crisis: Lehman Brothers and Window Dressing Repo Transactions 10:10 Counterparty Risk, Transparency, and Financial Disclosure Challenges 11:27 Mortgage-Backed Securities and Securitization Risk Amplification 13:56 Dodd-Frank and Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks 14:41 Crypto and FTX Collapse: Regulation, Visibility, and Compliance Gaps 16:52 Audit Competence and Engagement Acceptance: Lessons from FTX 19:55 Private Markets: Private Equity, Investor Eligibility, and Disclosure Debate 22:58 Audit Talent Pipeline Challenges and Value Proposition 24:55 Professional Skepticism: Curiosity and Asking Better Questions 26:08 Audit Career Paths: Opportunities, Travel, and Industry Exposure 29:53 Closing Remarks and CPA Australia Resources

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

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CPA Australia

Top Shows

Create interactive Excel charts

Why Excel macros still matter in 2026

Template tips to boost workflows

Unlock 7 underused Excel features you still need today

How to create accounting reports with DAX

Excel Tips: New text functions for Excel

Excel tips: how to improve your formatting

Crime By Numbers: AML reforms and the gatekeepers preventing money laundering

Crime By Numbers: How criminals launder money through today's networks

How auditors can spot risk before it's too late

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