INTHEBLACK

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

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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

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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

How to handle difficult workplace relationships

Every workplace has them – the colleague whose communication style grates on you, the team member whose approach seems to undermine everything you're trying to do, or the manager you simply can't read. In finance and corporate environments, where pressure is high and collaboration is non-negotiable, navigating these relationships isn't optional. In this episode of the INTHEBLACK podcast, experts discuss the reality of working with people you don't like. They explore why tension in teams can actually be a competitive advantage, how to tell the difference between a personality clash and a systemic problem, and what self-awareness really demands of us when conflict arises. Practical, honest and occasionally confronting, this is a conversation every professional needs – not because you'll always like your colleagues, but because you have to work with them anyway. Tune in now. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, CPA Australia Guests: Tammy Tansley, consultant, Leadership and Workplace Culture, and Paula Brough, director, Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing, Griffith University Want to learn more about this episode's guests? Head to Tammy Tansley's website and Paula Brough's experts page on the Griffith University website. And the INTHEBLACK website has articles on today's episode subject and more for finance and business professionals. 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. 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

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

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Is HECS still delivering on its original promise?

HECS transformed access to higher education in Australia and became one of the country's most influential public policy innovations. But nearly four decades on, rising student debt, indexation concerns and changing graduate outcomes are raising fresh questions about whether the system still works as intended. This episode examines the origins of the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), and how its income-contingent loan model influenced education funding around the world. It also explores the challenges facing the system today and the policy choices that could shape its future. Key points covered: Why HECS was introduced and the problem it was designed to solve How income-contingent loans changed access to university How much today's HECS has changed from its original design Assessing the Job-ready Graduates program in 2020 Whether rising student debt is undermining the original policy goals The impact of indexation and changing fee structures Potential reforms and what they could mean for students and taxpayers Tune in now. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, CPA Australia Guest: Bruce Chapman, architect of HECS and emeritus professor of Economics at ANU. You can learn more about Bruce Chapman at his 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 a variety of accounting, finance and business topics. 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

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

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?

Crime By Numbers: Inside the money laundering economy

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. Money laundering. It's a business that's rife worldwide, with billions of dollars illegally laundered each year. In Australia it's estimated that money laundering costs the economy A$60 billion a year. In 2026, money laundering is under the microscope because Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Regime is being expanded. New gatekeepers are being added to the mix to fight against this crime, including accountants, lawyers, real estate agents and dealers in precious metals and gems. In this second series of Crime by Numbers, delve into the murky depths of the world's laundromat. Episode one goes inside the laundry and explores why money laundering is so harmful, the far-reaching costs to individuals and economies and what we can do to clean it up. Listen now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, editor, CPA Australia Experts: Geoff Peck, a former fraud squad detective with Victoria Police's major Fraud Group, and managing director, Forensic & Integrity Solutions Brendan Thomas, AUSTRAC CEO Amanda Wood, managing director, Kroll's Investigations, Diligence and Compliance Practice Dr Milind Tiwari, senior lecturer the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security at Charles Sturt University in Canberra Kris Wilson, team leader, Cybercrime Investigations at Australian Federal Police 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. In the next episode of Crime by Numbers, discover how money mules such as Boliang Liu operate and the scams that lie behind the money laundering process. Also, hear how the metaverse is transforming money laundering and making the detection process a lot trickier. Stay tuned for episode two coming soon: The players and the crimes. 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 00:22 How much dirty money is in the Australian economy? 00:43 What is money laundering and why does it matter? 01:16 Inside the Laundry: episode overview 01:33 The history of money laundering from ancient China to Prohibition 01:57 Where did the term "money laundering" come from? 03:39 What does money laundering cost the global and Australian economy? 04:22 Which crimes generate the most laundered money in Australia? 04:43 AUSTRAC explained: who it regulates and why reforms are expanding 05:15 Brendan Thomas on dirty money in Australia 05:54 Is money laundering a victimless crime? 07:36 How fraud against government programs like the NDIS links to money laundering 09:17 How money laundering works: placement, layering and integration 10:24 Real case study: how $60 million moved through global bank accounts 12:25 Shell companies and money laundering red flags 13:45 Bank capture, major AML failures and billion-dollar fines 14:52 Operation Taipan: how Australian banks helped detect a laundering syndicate 16:07 Next episode: money mules, scams and the metaverse

Layne Beachley's mindset strategies (including her 7% rule)

Layne Beachley AO has done it all in the sporting arena – she's a seven-time world surfing champion, after all. And through her incredible journey, she's learned powerful mindset strategies that could help you today. And it's not what you might think. Drawing on her experience as a sporting great, Layne connects elite sport principles to the realities of accounting and finance, offering practical ways to manage stress, sustain energy and make clearer decisions in demanding roles. And you can apply these habits to your own work life in finance and accounting to improve your performance, focus and resilience – in other words, to help bring out the best version of you. In this special episode, Layne also shares how her 7% rule helps professionals reset, refocus and perform under pressure. Other key learnings include: Practical ways to reset your nervous system during the workday The importance of mental health and how to switch off What success actually looks like How to deal with pressure when you're busy at home and at work How leaders can embed resilience into team culture The one thing accountants and CFOs can take away from this episode Layne brings a unique perspective from elite sport, translating high-performance habits into practical actions you can apply immediately. Tune in now for elite insights into how you can make improvements to your daily work habits. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, CPA Australia Guests: Layne Beachley, a seven-time world surfing champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time. She's also a high-performance mindset coach, helping professionals translate elite sporting principles into everyday success. Layne Beachley will be speaking at CPA Week 2026 in June. And head online for more about Layne Beachley's Awake Academy. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. Go 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 favourite podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

How to handle a conflict of interest

As accountants, conflicts of interest can arise. Some say they are unavoidable. But knowing how to manage them is crucial. This episode explores how such conflicts arise – from client relationships to commercial pressures – and why managing them is critical to upholding trust in the profession. You will learn: why conflicts of interest are increasing in today's business environment the most common conflict of interest scenarios facing accountants and advisers when disclosure is not enough and stronger action is needed how to distinguish between manageable and unacceptable conflicts practical frameworks to identify and assess conflicts in real time the role of professional judgement and organisational culture Drawing on the current codes of ethics and the everyday ethics issues discussed in INTHEBLACK, this expert-led discussion focuses on practical decision-making in situations that are rarely clear cut. This episode will help you respond with confidence and integrity. Tune in now. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, CPA Australia Guests: Dr Michelle Cull FCPA, Associate Professor and Head of Discipline, Accounting and Financial Planning at Western Sydney University, and Belinda Zohrab, Regulation and Professional Standards Lead, CPA Australia 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

The future of accounting in an AI-driven world

AI is reshaping finance faster than most accounting and finance organisations are prepared for. This episode explores what that means in practice and how professionals can stay relevant as roles evolve. From automation and agentic AI to cybersecurity risks and sustainability pressures, this expert-led discussion highlights the shifts happening across finance, accounting and business in a volatile and rapidly changing world. You will learn: The biggest forces changing the profession right now What AI fluency looks like in practice and why it matters now The emerging technologies or trends reshaping how finance teams work How finance roles are evolving towards judgement and decision making The impact of automation on career pathways and hiring patterns Practical steps to future-proof your career capability in a reshaped profession Listen now. Host: Patrick Viljoen, sustainability lead, CPA Australia Guests: Amantha Imber an innovation specialist and Anders Sormann-Nilsson, a futurist and keynote speaker. 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. You can also head to INTHEBLACK online for 10 accounting trends reshaping the profession and other insightful articles celebrating 140 years of the designation in our special April edition. 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

From ledgers to the new AI world

Accounting has evolved dramatically, but its core purpose stays unchanged - enabling trust and better decision-making. In this episode, hosted by Australian comedian Lehmo, learn how the profession has moved from manual record keeping to a strategic role centred on judgement, governance and value creation. Additionally, explore why AI is transforming tools rather than replacing expertise. Key learnings from this episode: How accounting has evolved from bookkeeping to strategic decision support Why trust, integrity and governance sit at the centre of the profession How global crises have expanded the role of accountants over time The shift from financial data to broader enterprise data responsibilities Why AI enhances accounting rather than replacing it The growing importance of professional scepticism in an AI-driven world How accountants can contribute to AI governance and auditing Why communication and judgement remain critical skills What the next generation of accountants needs to succeed Listen now for more. Host: Anthony "Lehmo" Lehmann, popular Australian comedian Guests: Dr Jasvinder Sidhu, accounting academic and historian Kaushika Jayalath CPA, principal solutions consultant, Oracle, and a CPA Australia board member Head to Lehmo's site for more information on his services. And learn more about this episode's guests Kaushika Jayalath CPA and Dr Jasvinder Sidhu at his staff profile. 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

Economic outlook for 2026: Australia and APAC

Gain a clear view of where the Australian and Asia-Pacific economies are heading and what it all means for finance leaders in 2026. The headlines say volatility. The data tells a more nuanced story. Inflation, interest rates, productivity and more are all explained in plain terms, translating macroeconomic signals into what matters for business leaders today. Listen for an expert view of: The economic cycle that Australia and APAC are entering The likely direction of interest rates over the next 12 months Which indicators matter most when tracking inflation The key skill you need to help you prepare for the year ahead These insights will help you understand where the Australian and APAC economies are heading, and how this may influence decision-making this year. Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Paul Bloxham, chief economist, Australia, New Zealand and global commodities, HSBC To read online articles by Paul Bloxham, head to his news page on the AFR. For more economic insights visit INTHEBLACK https://intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au/economy Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube, where you can subscribe to the channel for regular content. And don't forget to subscribe to INTHEBLACK and share this episode with your colleagues and friends in the business community. 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

AQ for finance leaders

What do you do when there is no playbook? Many finance leaders have built their careers on accuracy, clarity and control. But today's operating climate is defined by uncertainty rather than stability. Market turbulence, rapid advances in AI, organisational redesign and ongoing talent constraints are converging at the same time. In this context, success depends on more than just IQ or EQ. It now also hinges on your adaptability quotient (AQ). In this episode, explore how finance professionals can build the capability to work confidently through ambiguity while preserving the discipline and standards that underpin strong accounting practice. You will learn: the difference between adaptability quotient (AQ) and adaptive leadership why change feels harder today and how complexity affects performance how to use the observation, interpretation and intervention model practical ways to avoid common thinking traps such as catastrophising and blame how to create psychological safety without lowering standards tools such as the balcony and dance floor perspective and the productive zone of disequilibrium. If you want to strengthen resilience, improve decision-making and lead confidently through uncertainty, this episode offers practical steps you can apply immediately. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, CPA Australia. Guests: Catherine Althaus, professor at UNSW Canberra, and Kathryn McEwen, organisational psychologist. For more information, head to Kathryn McEwen's website. 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

Office romance: How to manage the risks

Workplace romance happens more often than most people realise. While at its heart (no pun intended) it's a personal matter, companies today have obligations under legislation that affect how these relationships are managed. When colleagues become romantically involved, there are ways to handle it that respect personal freedom while managing organisational risk. This episode examines that tricky balancing act of respecting privacy with the current legal and ethical responsibilities of companies. Key points in this episode include: The view of office romances from today's organisational perspective The importance of having a strong understanding of the law around this specific area Policies or guidelines that should be in place to manage office romances responsibly Effective strategies for communicating these relationship policies to staff The potential for a conflict of interest and the duty to prevent sexual harassment Recognising ethical red flags in relationships with significant power imbalances Navigating the risks associated with alcohol and off-site corporate events Love in the workplace isn't just a plotline in your favourite drama. It's a reality many professionals navigate. Tune in for guidance. Host: Belinda Zohrab, Regulation and Professional Standards lead, CPA Australia Guest: Jodie Fox, employment lawyer and director of Worklogic, a consultancy firm that works with employers. She is also an honorary senior fellow of the University of Melbourne's Law School. For more information, head to Worklogic's website and its page on LinkedIn. 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 support your career journey. 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

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

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

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

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