CPA Australia

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Business

Updated 4 Aug
Education

Education

Updated 3 Aug
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Business News

Twice monthly
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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
07/04/2025

AI and cybersecurity: penetration tester reveals key dangers

As organisations big and small integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, understanding the vulnerabilities that come with AI systems is essential. In this episode, we'll explore the crucial intersection between AI and cybersecurity. You'll gain insights on AI systems, common pitfalls in AI security and specialist tips for businesses to navigate this dynamic landscape. This episode covers areas such as: Adversarial machine learning (AML) The fundamental difference between AI and IT security AI model vulnerabilities Expanded attack surface via unstructured inputs Key pitfalls in AI adoption Risk mitigation Tune in now for specialist advice from a leading expert in the field. Host: Garreth Hanley, Podcast Producer, CPA Australia Guest: Miranda R, an offensive security team manager at Malware Security, and an AI vulnerability researcher and a trainer with Mileva, where she conducts penetration testing for various sectors, including government and private industry. Want to learn more? Head online to Malsec and Mileva. And you can read an insightful post by Miranda R on her LinkedIn, as well as a news story about an ID system failure in the US involving a fraudster and how a North Korean hacker duped a cybersecurity firm. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. 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
20/01/2025

INTHEBLACK: 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
28/02/2023

Behavioural Economics

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. INTHEBLACK Out Loud is presented by CPA Australia. CPA Australia also publishes three podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest, INTHEBLACK and Excel Tips. Search and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcast or your favourite podcast app. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
30/09/2024

Banishing the fear: A leader's guide to social media

Social media is here to stay, especially for leaders in today's digital world. But many still feel anxious about how to navigate it. In this episode, we'll explore the significance of personal branding and address some common concerns leaders have about social media. Our expert guest shares valuable insights on the relationship between personal and business social media, the evolving importance of social media guidelines in organisations and how enterprise social networks can enhance productivity and connection in a hybrid work environment. Join us to discover how you can confidently embrace social media, banish fears and elevate your leadership today. Host: Garreth Hanley, podcast producer, CPA Australia Guest: Rita Zonius, a strategic communication management professional (SCMP). She is a career communicator and digital workplace expert who specialises in helping people overcome their fear of social media. You can learn more about Rita on LinkedIn. 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
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
03/06/2025

Productivity tips for busy finance professionals

Time. It's one thing many busy professionals wish we had more of in our working days. Whether you're drowning in meetings or struggling to tick off your daily tasks, this episode is here to help. You'll find clear, actionable tips to help you work smarter and achieve your goals. You'll learn: Why "I'm busy" isn't the answer, and what you should focus on instead How to set realistic, achievable goals that drive real progress What professionals get wrong about productivity and how to fix it How to make meetings more meaningful – or remove them entirely The power of "Red Brick Thinking" and how it can change your day-to-day work How to use AI tools to boost efficiency If you're a CPA Australia member, business owner, finance lead or corporate professional, this episode will provide you with relevant tools to help you take back control of your calendar. Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Lead, Design and Build, CPA Australia Guest: Donna McGeorge, author and expert on productivity, meetings and time management For more information on this episode's guest and her books, head to Donna McGeorge's 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
20/05/2025

Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler

Ever wondered how well you communicate? Communication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, research-backed techniques to help you build trust, speak with confidence and strengthen your presence. Whether you're presenting to the board, in an online meeting or fielding tough questions, this episode gives you the tools to communicate with greater impact and earn trust more effectively. From unconscious habits that sabotage credibility to the secrets behind handling high-pressure moments, unpack how voice, body language and messaging shape the way we're perceived. In this INTHEBLACK episode, you'll learn: The core components of trust and why they matter How to communicate with authority using vocal and physical presence Simple ways to manage anxiety in meetings and presentations What gravitas really is and how to develop it Listen now for expert-backed tips you can use today. Host: Jackie Blondell, Editorial Content Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Louise Mahler, an expert in body language, voice and human behaviour. She has a PhD in Leadership Communication, and degrees and masters in Organisational Psychology and Music and is the author of two books on the subject: Resonate and Gravitas. Louise is presenting a master class at CPA Week in Perth on 11-13 June, 2025. You can learn more about Louise Mahler at her website. INTHEBLACK has also covered today's topic in a recent article featuring Dr Louise Mahler along with other experts who share their insights on staying calm and composed in the workplace when the pressure is on. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. 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
10/06/2024

How to find career fulfilment

Meaningful work influences job contentment and career progression. It can reduce stress and enhance overall health and wellness. Engaging in meaningful work also brings a sense of fulfillment. Not surprisingly, employers also benefit when employees are engaged and fulfilled. In this episode of Career Hacks, learn strategies to ensure your work is meaningful throughout your career. Tune in today. Host: Garreth Hanley, Podcast Producer, CPA Australia Guest: Nina Mapson Bone, a people strategist and author with a 30-year career in recruitment and people consultancy. She has undertaken extensive research into how people find meaning at work and the benefits to employees and employers. In 2023, she published Meaningful Work: Unlock Your Unique Path to Career Fulfilment. You can try Nina's meaningful work tool and visit her website for more information. For further insights, you can read this story on key insights into what Australian workers value. There is guidance on CPA Australia's website for career development resources as well as a career navigator to support your work journey. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss more episodes in the Career Hacks series. You can also listen to this series on 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. You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
28/05/2024

The evolution of accountancy in a digital age

The world of work is constantly changing. Today, the need for new tech skills and an understanding of AI and automation are critical for accountants. In this Career Hacks episode, you'll learn how accountants can adapt to and even embrace this digital evolution and, in doing so, unlock ways to reshape the profession for a new age. With specialist insights from an FCPA, you'll gain valuable information on how accountants can build future-ready technology skills and thrive in the digital era. Listen now. Host: Garreth Hanley, podcast producer, CPA Australia Guest: Guy Ioppolo FCPA. He is a member of CPA Australia's Digital Transformation Centre of Excellence and a managing partner at business software consultancy group, Ioppolo & Associates For further insights on today's topic including how CPA Australia can support your career, head to the career development page and the my career navigator to discover in-demand skills. And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss more episodes in the Career Hacks series. You can also listen to this series and other CPA Australia podcast episodes on 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. 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

Top Shows

Cognitive bias: The hidden psychology of decision-making

AI and cybersecurity: penetration tester reveals key dangers

INTHEBLACK: How to successfully implement AI into your business

Behavioural Economics

Banishing the fear: A leader's guide to social media

Australia, India and new global trade opportunities

Productivity tips for busy finance professionals

Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler

How to find career fulfilment

The evolution of accountancy in a digital age

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