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

Explore critical findings from CPA Australia’s 2024 small business survey, focusing on cyber security challenges and best practices. Join our expert cybersecurity guest, who provides insights on common mistakes, the impact of AI on security, balancing cyber security with technology initiatives, strategies for resource-constrained SMEs and emerging threats. Learn actionable takeaways and practical advice that you can implement right away. Whether you're a small business owner or an IT professional, this episode aims to empower you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your business against cyber threats. Host: Gavan Ord, Business investment and international lead, CPA Australia Guest: Tyler Wise, director of Cyberwise, a forensic accounting and digital forensics specialist For more information, head to CPA Australia’s Centre of Excellence Digital Transformation page. CPA Australia has tools and resources on cybersecurity as well as tips on the My Firm My Future page.  Click these links for Tyler’s company Cyberwise and for the Essential Eight mitigation strategies organisations are recommended to implement.  And you can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.  Would you like to listen to more With Interest 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. You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

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

Keeping pace with industrial regulations is crucial for Australian businesses - and we’ve seen a raft of law changes in recent times. This episode looks at the latest developments in Australian Industrial Relations (IR) law and their potential impact on employers and employees. Deep dive into the practical implications for employers and employees of fixed-term contracts, the right to disconnect, the revised definitions of employee, employer and casual work and more. Stay on top of the latest IR law developments by listening today. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment Policy Manager, CPA Australia  Guest: Ruth Hart, Special Counsel, Coors, Westgarth Chambers Learn more about today’s topic at the Fair Work Commission website, which has guidance on changes to the Secure Jobs Better Pay Act and the Closing Loopholes Act. Additional relevant information is available at the Safe Work Australia website. You can also listen to other With Interest 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. Email the podcast team at [email protected]

Ever wondered who advises the Australian government on tax policy from a business and tax community perspective? If so, you’re in the right place: this episode delves into the role Australia’s Board of Taxation plays. We’re joined by the board’s Secretary and Tax Counsel, who explains how this important non-statutory advisory body helps improve the design and operation of tax policy. Discover the board’s origins, its charter, members, key focus areas, notable recommendations, current projects and more. Tune in now for a comprehensive overview. Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Paul Korganow, Secretary and Tax Counsel, Board of Taxation For more information, head to the board’s website. And you can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  

It’s that time of year again: SMSF reporting season is upon those managing their own superannuation. Staying updated on the latest changes is crucial, whether you’re overseeing it yourself or working with a fund. To guide you through the latest in super, CPA Australia’s superannuation expert helps break down what you need to know. From SMSF reporting season to insights on NALI, indexation and changes to rules and caps, stay on top of your super by tuning in today. Host: Aidan Ormond, Digital Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Richard Webb, Superannuation Lead, CPA Australia For more information, head to the ATO website for: Non-arm’s length income Assessable contributions Super for individuals and families Understanding concessional and non-concessional contributions You can also read the quality of advice review final report on the Treasury website.  And you can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  

This week’s show is a special presentation from CPA Australia’s leadership, strategy and business podcast, INTHEBLACK. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting employees hard. Pay rises, tax relief and bonuses can only do so much. But what if there was a way to support your staff and boost your business without harming the bottom line? In this episode, we dive deep into how reimagining company rewards programs can tackle the cost-of-living squeeze. By shifting the focus to practical, everyday benefits, you can attract top talent, boost employee satisfaction and at the same time strengthen your company culture. Join us as we chat with a leading expert in the field, who shares her views and actionable strategies for transforming your rewards program into a powerful tool for employee cost-of-living relief. Listen now. Host: Aidan Ormond, Digital Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Kylie Green, managing director of Reward Gateway APAC. For over 20 years, Green has worked with leading companies to help them use technology to take their employee engagement strategy to the next level. For more useful information on today’s topic, Reward Gateway has produced a detailed e-book in PDF format called 15 benefits to truly make a difference. Additionally, Reward Gateway has produced a workplace engagement index as well as a cost of living resource hub with reports, ebooks and webinar links. 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 [email protected]

Discover the latest from the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) including its strategic roadmap for 2024-2027. Explore key focus areas shaping the future of ethical conduct in accounting, and dive into its updated five-part code of ethics for sustainability. Tune in for insights on IESBA’s vision and its impact on the profession’s ethical landscape. Host: Ram Subramanian, Interim Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). And she is Co-CEO, International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. In her role as IESBA Chair, she ensures that IESBA activities maintain a public interest focus, while developing high-quality ethics and independence standards. Learn more about the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants at their website. You can also listen to other With Interest 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. Email the podcast team at [email protected]

Tax time tends to attract the attention of those nasty scammers - but don’t worry. This episode has specialist advice and strategies to help you safeguard your sensitive information. Outlined are the dubious tactics that scammers use, such as ATO-branded email scams, text messages and other ways to trick you to reveal sensitive data. For professionals in the tax industry, we also shed light on the threats posed by cyber criminals targeting your company and clients’ tax data. The final episode in the tax time 2024 series will help you deal with this growing problem. It empowers you with practical security measures to help safeguard your data from cyber criminals. Tune in now to navigate tax season with confidence. Host: Garreth Hanley, Podcast Producer, CPA Australia Guest: Joda Walter, Assistant Commissioner of Cyber Governance at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) For more information related to this episode, these links will help you: Protect your personal identifying information Verify or report scams Security advice for tax professionals and businesses Business and government resources Cybersecurity essential eight You can also call the ATO on 1800 008 540 to report if you think you have disclosed any personal information to a scammer.  Additionally, CPA Australia has tools and resources to help support you at tax time as well as cybersecurity resources and support. The four-part Tax Time 2024 series is a special feature in June on the With Interest channel. You can listen to other episodes at the series page. You can also listen to episodes in 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. Email the podcast team at [email protected]

Division 7A remains a stumbling block for many small business owners when it comes to tax compliance. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Div 7A to ensure you're fully equipped with the knowledge you need, from understanding how this integrity measure operates to pinpointing where it applies and steering clear of potential pitfalls. As we gear up for tax time 2024, we also outline the crucial deadlines pertaining to Div 7A that tax advisers and their clients need to have on their radar. If you’re a business owner or an accountant working for an SME, this tax time episode is a must-listen. Tune in now. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Anthony Marvello, Assistant Commissioner with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) For added guidance related to this episode, these ATO links will help you: Private company benefits: Division 7 A dividends Using your business money and assets The Div 7A calculator and decision tool The Div 7A benchmark interest rate Issuing distributions statements Essentials to strengthen your small business. Additionally, CPA Australia has tools and resources to help support you at tax time.  The four-part Tax Time 2024 series is a special feature in June on the With Interest channel. You can listen to other Tax Time 2024 episodes at the series page. You can also listen to previous episodes in 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. Email the podcast team at [email protected]

Navigating work-related expenses can be a challenge. Little wonder the ATO says it’s one of the biggest areas for errors at tax return time. That’s why today’s episode will help you demystify the rules for claiming work-related expenses in 2024. This comprehensive episode covers everything from the importance of diligent record-keeping to the intricacies of claiming home office expenditures, travel and car costs, specialised equipment and educational expenses. But we're not just stopping at the basics – we'll also equip you with expert tips for accurately calculating your expenses and ensuring you have all the requisite documentation should the ATO require further information. Consider this your roadmap to smooth sailing for your tax return expenses. Listen now. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Rob Thomson, Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) The four-part Tax Time 2024 series is a special feature in June on the With Interest channel. You can listen to other Tax Time 2024 episodes at the series page. You can also listen to previous episodes in this series on CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. Additionally, CPA Australia has tools and resources to help support you ahead of tax time 2024. For further information, the ATO offers guidance on keeping records, occupations, car expenses, tools, clothing, self-education and common deductions. 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 [email protected]

From rental property repairs to capital allowances, record-keeping, and navigating the Medicare levy, we’ve got you covered at tax time. Gain insights on the ATO's debt collection approach along with practical tips on lodgement advice, working-from-home calculations, and effective record-keeping. Learn what’s new and what the ATO will focus on to help prepare you for the upcoming tax season. Tune in now. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Rob Thomson, Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)  For information related to this episode, these ATO links will help in areas such as keeping records, occupations, investor’s toolkit, Medicare and private health insurance and the Super Health Check. Additionally, CPA Australia has tools and resources to help support you ahead of tax time.  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 [email protected]

In this in-depth discussion, CPA Australia leaders share their perspectives and explore ideas around ways that we can achieve reconciliation together. They outline why an organisation like CPA Australia is involved in this issue and explain the relevance of reconciliation to accountants and finance professionals. Listen now.  Host: Adrienne Biscontin, external affairs adviser, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia Guests: Dale Pinto FCPA, CPA Australia president and chair and John Curtin distinguished professor, and Shane Miller CPA, deputy chair of CPA Australia's Indigenous Advisory Group For more information on today’s topic, head to CPA Australia’s reconciliation page and to the Reconciliation Australia homepage. 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 [email protected]

Join CPA Australia's expert policy team as we dive into Treasurer Jim Chalmers' announcements from last night's Budget unveiling. Learn what these measures could mean for accountants, business owners and finance professionals, and explore the broader implications for the Australian economy. Uncover valuable insights with this comprehensive breakdown of Budget 2024. Host: Simon Downes, external affairs lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia Guests: Gavan Ord, business investment and international lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia, and Elinor Kasapidis, interim chief learning and innovation officer, learning and innovation, CPA Australia. For further insights, head to CPA Australia’s Budget 2024 page for expert and authoritative insights on the latest Federal Budget.  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 [email protected]

Discover the ins and outs of the ATO’s CAL and find solutions to common problems met by businesses and tax agents. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the ATO’s client-to-agent linking process, also known as CAL. Our expert guest also answers questions sent by CPAs to help troubleshoot real-world issues users have met with CAL. Listen now for your ultimate CAL explainer. Host: Gavan Ord, business investment and international lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Hannah Griffits CPA, from Moore Lewis & Partners, accountants and tax advisors in Toowoomba, Queensland For more information on today’s topic the ATO has guidance for NFPs and bulk client transfers as well as client-to-agent linking steps and client-to-agent linking in online services. 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 [email protected]

New tax requirements are on the horizon for not-for-profits, and approximately 150,000 NFPs will have to lodge a tax return.  Learn how these new requirements will affect NFPs and why the ATO implemented the changes.  Tune in now to stay informed.  Host: Ram Subramanian, Interim Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Nunzio Giunta FCPA, the Managing Partner and Founder of Giuntabell, a specialist not-for-profit accounting firm. He is also the chair of the CPA Australia Not-For-Profit Committee in Queensland, and a member of the ATO’s Not-for-Profit Stewardship Group. Nunzio also sits on the Australian Accounting Standards Board Not-For-Profit Advisory panel. For further information related to this topic, head online to the ATO and to the Australian Charities And Not-For-Profits Commission.  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 [email protected]

The world of financial reporting, auditing, assurance and tax advice seems far away from a subject like climate change. But the challenge of sustainability reporting, and the requirements that will fall on the accounting profession, are getting closer and closer.  This podcast will deliver insights on the changes set to happen in sustainability reporting obligations. Delve into the expert analysis on how these measures could impact accountants, finance professionals and businesses alike.  Don’t miss out - tune in to stay ahead of the climate reporting curve. Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Patrick Viljoen, ESG Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia For further information, head online to read CPA Australia’s ESG policy submissions.  Other podcasts on corporate disclosure and ISSB’s new reporting standards are also available on the CPA Australia platform.  Additionally,  you can find industry feedback on Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards – Disclosure of Climate-Related Financial Information.  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 [email protected]

CPA Australia's 15th annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey reveals extensive data on small business challenges across the region.  This episode dissects the survey’s findings and delves into the issues faced by businesses in 11 diverse markets, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Mainland China and Hong Kong.  With input from more than 4,200 business owners and senior managers from companies with less than 20 employees, the survey offers invaluable information for you and your organisation.  Tune in now to gain essential insights for your small business. Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Gavan Ord, Senior Manager Business and Investment Policy, CPA Australia Download CPA Australia's 15th annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey and discover valuable insights.  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 [email protected]

CPA Australia is helping to ease the excessive red tape burden on business by successfully advocating for more streamlined processes.  In this podcast you’ll learn how we’re facilitating a better navigation of regulatory requirements, especially in financial reporting. Listen now to find out more.  Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Ram Subramanian, Interim Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia For more insights, read how CPA Australia saved the Queensland construction industry unnecessary red tape. Additionally, there is information on nationally consistent fundraising principles for the charity sector which frees up debilitating red tape. CPA Australia was one of the peak bodies that supported this campaign.  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 [email protected]

In 2024, Australia will see a raft of changes in superannuation. Staying up to date is vital.  Join CPA Australia's experts, who will help you navigate the evolving super landscape. Policy areas covered include the First Home Super Saver scheme, the Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill, payday super and SMSFs.  You’ll also valuable knowledge on maximising your retirement savings. Don’t miss this episode.  Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Richard Webb, Superannuation Lead, CPA Australia For more insights, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has guidance on changes to the first home super saver scheme and the better targeted superannuation concessions bill.  The ATO also has useful information on when payday superannuation starts in Australia. CPA Australia has made a submission in response to the Objective of Super Bill inquiry at the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, which is also online.  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 [email protected]

Gain valuable insights into the key business-related matters that the Government need to address in this year's Budget.  CPA Australia's business expert delves into this hot topic, analysing crucial areas such as tax, inflation, worker shortages, rising cost pressures and other pressing issues.  Don't miss out, listen now for expert business analysis and insights.  Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Gavan Ord, Business Investment Policy Manager, CPA Australia For more insights, CPA Australia’s detailed Australian Federal Pre-Budget submission 2024-25 is online. With Interest is presented by CPA Australia. 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 [email protected]  

With Interest presents an episode from CPA Australia's INTHEBLACK Out Loud podcast. While learning a programming language was once the domain of IT specialists, today it starts in primary school. This is because programming unlocks the full power of computers to perform difficult tasks and answer complex queries. While accountants already take advantage of tools like Microsoft Excel, a simple programming language like Python helps to streamline workflows and improve data manipulation when deeper insight is needed. Listen to the full episode. Click to read the article. INTHEBLACK Out Loud is presented by CPA Australia. 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 [email protected]

With Interest presents an episode from CPA Australia's INTHEBLACK  podcast. Unlock long-term career success by honing your communications skills. In this episode you’ll discover why these abilities are crucial and how you can elevate your soft skills to give your accounting and finance career a lift. Tune in now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Professor Nick McGuigan FCPA teaches at Monash Business School. He teaches finance and accounting leaders about the value of communication and its growing role for the profession. INTHEBLACK has insights on today’s topic, including how to communicate complex financial information. For more thought leadership, Nick McGuigan co-wrote a paper on the subject of art, technology and accounting. McGuigan has also written a paper on the development of integrative thinking and has been part of a mycelium and accounting project, which was subsequently reported on. Additionally, there are examples of the way accounting is communicated at organisations such as TJ Accounting Consultants and Fox and Hare Financial Advice. For added background, head to the creative accounting research project at Coventry University and the Accountability Institute. You can also watch the Dating an Accountant project and read about how you measure love. 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 platform. You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  

With Interest presents an episode from CPA Australia's INTHEBLACK Out Loud podcast. The stress and burnout that have permeated the working environment in recent years have increased the importance of empathy at work. Empathy and authentic vulnerability have become vital in the workplace, and both are often regarded as key leadership traits. Listen to the full episode. Click to read the article. INTHEBLACK Out Loud is presented by CPA Australia. 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 [email protected]

With Interest presents an episode from CPA Australia's INTHEBLACK  podcast. Penetration testers hack into your company servers. Don’t worry – these are friends who can help your company stay safe from the dark web’s cyberthreats. “Pen testers” do it to protect you from the real hackers out there trying to steal your data. In this episode we meet a lead penetration tester. Learn what he does, how he does it and how you can improve your own organisation’s cyber security. Host: Garreth Hanley, podcast producer, CPA Australia Guests: Dan Weis, Practice Lead - Penetration Testing, Nexon Asia Pacific CPA Australia has its own cyber security resources and support. You can also check out the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), which has useful information for small and medium businesses. If you've been hacked there is online support and you can phone 1300CYBER1 For global news and security events Linkedin.com scamwatch.gov.au AusCERT The Hacker News Discord channels and Twitter For vendor security notification feeds SANS @RISK Microsoft Security Blog Microsoft security intelligence Google Online Security Blog (googleblog.com) Safety & Security | Google Blog Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories | CISA 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 [email protected]

Did you know that more than $683 billion in tax was collected across all levels of Australian government in 2021-22?  These funds were allocated to everything from health, education, infrastructure and defence, and biosecurity surveillance. Even fishing rods for school kids.  With ever-growing government debt and stubborn deficits, key questions emerge: where is the money being spent, how is it being collected and from whom? Today’s episode addresses these questions, giving you expert analysis and insights on Australia's major tax events and changes in 2023. Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Elinor Kasapidis, Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia For more insights, listen to an earlier episode of With Interest which examines super’s proposed changes.  You can read more about what was discussed in today’s episode here: Tax revenue info EV case GST Sharing Private wealth AAT case ATO debt collection 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 [email protected]

Planning for retirement is crucial. For many Australians this involves managing and increasing contributions to their superannuation fund.  Government policies, however, significantly affect retirement savings. Recent draft legislation proposed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to reduce tax concessions for those with super savings exceeding $3 million. This draft legislation was released within a month of the government revealing plans to define an “objective of superannuation” for future generations and parliaments, with the purpose of preserving savings in an equitable and sustainable way. What does this all mean for you? Tune in now for expert insights.  Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Richard Webb, Senior Manager Financial Planning and Superannuation Policy, CPA Australia You can read CPA Australia’s submission on the Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill on our website. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting:  With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Receiving communications from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) can often be stressful for taxpayers and their advisers.  Nevertheless, being aware of what to anticipate and how to appropriately react can alleviate some of the anxiety.  As the deadline for submitting your tax return approaches (October 31), we’ve got you covered. This timely episode provides valuable insights and guidance on what’s essential. Tune in now. Host: Dr Jane Rennie, Head of Media and External Engagement, CPA Australia Guest: Elinor Kasapidis, Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia For more insights on today’s topic, CPA Australia has a tip sheet on responding to ATO enquiries. Additionally, the ATO has a taxpayer charter with further information.  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 [email protected]

This is a special cybersecurity awareness month edition of With Interest. Governments, businesses large and small, and individuals – no-one is safe from man in the middle attacks. Just ask Google, Facebook or Puerto Rico. Also known as payment redirection or invoice fraud, these schemes are devasting, highly profitable, growing and evolving. Join our cyber and consumer experts to find out what it takes to defeat these money mules. Tune in now.   Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Editor, CPA Australia Guests: Alastair MacGibbon is Chief Strategy Officer at CyberCX. He’s has spent 20 years in the cyber security space, including as a former special advisor to the Australian Prime Minister on cyber security. Delia Rickard is a former Deputy Chair at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and has spent a decade fighting scammers. Show notes The ACCC’s Scamwatch website includes fraud prevention advice, case studies and up-to-date data on what different types of frauds are costing the Australian people. If you’d like to read more about invoice fraud, including the schemes discussed in this episode, these links have information through press releases, documents and news articles.  ·        Puerto Rican fraud  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/13/us/puerto-rico-phishing.html ·        https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hk-en/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/puerto-rico-loses-millions-in-email-scam ·        https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-says-it-was-scammed-out-2-6-million-n1136191 ·        Toyota fraud Toyota Parts Supplier Hit By $37 Million Email Scam (forbes.com) ·        https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/toyota-subsidiary-loses-37-million-due-to-bec-scam/ ·        Facebook, Google fraud Lithuanian pleads guilty in U.S. to massive fraud against Google, Facebook | Reuters ·        Barbara Corcoran fraud How Barbara Corcoran almost lost $400,000 to an email scam (cnbc.com) ·        Phishing in Australia Phishing - scam emails | Cyber.gov.au 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 app.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Did you know that the audit function dates back to ancient Rome? Or that it was Henry I who coined the word “audit”? Explore these and other interesting facts about the audit profession in the lead-up to Auditor Proud Day. This wide-ranging conversation covers the audit expectation gap, how auditors respond to climate change and what would happen to the economy if there weren’t enough auditors.  Tune in now.   Host: Dr. Jane Rennie, Head of Media and External Engagement, CPA Australia Guest: Ram Subramanian, Senior Manager Audit & Assurance, CPA Australia Additional show notes: PDF: Guide on climate risks and its impacts on the audit of financial statements Pre-recorded webinar: Climate risk – what external auditors need to consider [Password:CPAAustralia2023] Video: Understanding International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 (IAASB ED 5000) 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 app.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  

Do businesses using AI outperform those that don’t? What AI tools are accountants using?  Our subject matter experts answer these questions and more as they break down CPA Australia’s third annual Business Technology Report, a survey of technology used by businesses in the Asia-Pacific.  Host: Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Gavan Ord, Business Investment Policy Manager, CPA Australia Read CPA Australia Business Technology Report 2023 for the full findings of our survey. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has detailed information about the Essential Eight cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies.  CPA Australia member benefits, tools, guides and links for technology and cybersecurity are available on our website. 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 app.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

We examine the recent Government review into insolvency with the report Chair.  Broken or fit for purpose? We put Australia’s corporate insolvency regime under the spotlight.  Tune in now. Host: Dr Jane Rennie, Head of Media and External Engagement, CPA Australia Guest: Senator Deborah O’Neill, the Chair of a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporate and Financial Services (PJCCFS) which released a report into corporate insolvency in July 2023  For more insights, you can read the corporate insolvency in Australia report online and CPA Australia’s submission to the review.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  

JobKeeper was the biggest stimulus payment to business in Australian history. CPA Australia’s expert panel takes a look at how this A$88.9 billion stimulus package stacks up against other programs and evaluates its effectiveness.  Was it worth the cost? Tune in now.  Host: Dr Jane Rennie, Head of Media and External Engagement, CPA Australia Guests: Elinor Kasapidis, Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia, and Gavan Ord, Senior Manager Business Policy, CPA Australia  In June this year, the Australian Government called for feedback on the JobKeeper program. CPA Australia made a submission, which you can read online.  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 app.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Do you need to enhance your understanding of Australia's property market? Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, buyer or renter, this episode will provide you with valuable property insights.  Uncover expert perspectives from one of Australia's most respected economists by tuning in now.  Host: Dr Jane Rennie, Head of Media and External Relations, CPA Australia Guest: Warren Hogan, Chief Economic Adviser at Judo Bank, Managing Director and Founder of EQ Economics, former chief economist of the ANZ Banking Group and a principal adviser to the Federal Treasury. Hogan also undertakes residential property research as an economic adviser to Halo Technologies.  For more on today’s topic, Hogan was a guest on With Interest earlier this year, offering expert insights on Australia’s property market.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

The ISSB's new reporting standards IFRS S1 and S2 are set to have a wide-ranging impact. If you’re a business, finance or accounting professional, these expert insights on the two new reporting changes will come in handy.  Tune in now to so you can better understand how these reporting changes might impact your business. Hosts: Patrick Viljoen, Senior Manager ESG policy, CPA Australia and Ram Subramanian, Senior Manager, Reporting Policy, CPA Australia Guest: Terence Jeyaretnam, Partner and APAC Leader of Ernst & Young Climate Change and Sustainability team based in Melbourne For more information on today’s topic, CPA Australia has insights on sustainability reporting – IFRS S1 and S2 and the implications for Australian entities and their boards.  Additionally, in the light of climate-related risks becoming a major area of focus for organisations today, CPA Australia has a climate risk and audit of financial statements overview guide.   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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Financial performance isn’t the only corporate benchmark these days. Investor and public information needs are evolving towards a broader set of performance measures, such as climate change, modern slavery and human rights.  Tune in now to learn more.    Host: Ram Subramanian, Senior Manager Reporting and Audit Policy, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Andreas Barckow, Chair of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)  For more information, the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFSB) website has an article that explains the benefits of connectivity in reports. 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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Are you concerned about data fraud at tax time? If so, this podcast can help.  Learn how to avoid online scams and keep your personal and business data safe with expert advice from the ATO. Join Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh and CPA Australia’s senior tax manager as they explain smart ways to avoid online scammers at tax time.  Tune in now.  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Tax Policy, CPA Australia  Guest: Tim Loh, Assistant Commissioner Australian Tax Office (ATO) For more information, the ATO website has multiple resources for online security tips and advice. The myGovID website is also updated regularly with support materials. 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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Are you a property investor? Then this is the tax time podcast for you.  Join ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh together with CPA Australia’s senior tax expert as they outline what you need to know ahead of tax time 2023.  Don’t miss out on this essential guide for property investors.  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Tax Policy, CPA Australia Guest: Tim Loh, Assistant Commissioner Australian Tax Office (ATO) For more tax-time insights, the ATO’s toolkit for investors is a helpful place to start. The ATO has further guidance on main residence exemption for foreign residents. 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 provider.  Email our podcast team at [email protected]

Are you a tradie? Then this is the tax time podcast for you. Join ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh as he outlines tradies’ work-related expenses for 2023. Also featuring CPA Australia’s senior tax expert, this is the ultimate guide for Aussie tradies at tax time.  Tune in now.  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Tax Policy, CPA Australia Guest: Tim Loh, Assistant Commissioner Australian Tax Office (ATO) If you’re an employee or sole trader working in the trades, the ATO has guidance for you. For more on what tradies can claim, the ATO has advice for employees or those who run a small business. The ATO also lists information on personal services income and tradesperson income and work-related deductions. Additionally, in the ATO app there is a handy tool called myDeductions that makes it easier to keep records in one place. 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 provider.  Email our podcast team at [email protected]

ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh is in the studio to explain what you need to know for tax time 2023. Along with CPA Australia’s senior tax expert, this is your ultimate guide to tax time.  Do not miss out. Tune in now.  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Tax Policy, CPA Australia Guest: Tim Loh, Assistant Commissioner Australian Tax Office  For more essential insights, With Interest has covered the ATO’s changes to working from home deductions, and outlined the new online economy tax changes. Additionally, if you would like to understand more about FBT-free EVS, there is an episode from 2022 that outlines key information on this topic.  Furthermore, the ATO has guidance on its website for the fixed rate method, and information on motor vehicle and car expenses as well as the sharing economy reporting regime.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Australia's Productivity Commission aims to double philanthropic giving by 2030. Is this a realistic ambition?  Tune in now for CPA Australia expert analysis of the Commission’s review into philanthropy and find out what you need to know.  Host: Dr Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, CPA Australia Guest: Ram Subramanian, Senior Manager Reporting and Audit Policy, CPA Australia If you’d like to read more about this topic, CPA Australia’s submission to the Productivity Commission is online.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

The Treasurer’s Federal Budget 2023 has been delivered with CPA Australia's tax and business experts dissecting the announcement.  Stay informed with this in-depth budget breakdown. Listen now. Host: Dr Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, CPA Australia Guests: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Taxation Policy CPA Australia and Gavan Ord, Senior Manager Business Policy, CPA Australia For additional coverage, head online for CPA Australia’s 2023-24 Federal Budget coverage.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

There’s a crisis in Australia.  Construction companies are going into liquidation at a record rate, leaving home buyers, tradespeople, employees and the industry in shock.  CPA Australia’s insolvency expert shares advice and need-to-know insights.  Listen now.  Host: Jennifer Duke, External Affairs Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Kristen Beadle, Manager Public Practice and SME, CPA Australia And for more, CPA Australia has a guidance page on indicators of financial distress for SMEs.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Australia’s superannuation system is a global leader.  Worth around AUD $3.4 trillion, the nation should be proud of the world’s fifth-largest super system, one that covers around 16 million Australians as they work towards retirement.  So, why is the Australian Government seeking to legislate an “objective” for super? A public consultation on the objective recently closed, and CPA Australia has made a submission.  CPA Australia thinks that superannuation is only one component of a broader retirement savings system and, therefore, should not be considered in isolation.  Furthermore, there should be a clear long-term vision articulated for Australia’s retirement savings system.  We speak with the author of CPA Australia’s submission to learn more.  Listen now.  Host: Dr Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, CPA Australia Guest: Michael Davison, Senior Manager Advocacy and Retirement Policy, CPA Australia  For information on today’s topic, you can read CPA Australia’s submission on legislating an objective for the superannuation system.  And for more, CPA Australia has a summary page with policy perspectives to government policy, legislative or administrative announcements.  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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Did you know the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) was last reviewed in 1981? That was the Campbell inquiry reporting to the then Fraser Government.  Much has changed since then.  Little wonder there’s great interest in this current review to be delivered to the Federal Government imminently, and which was triggered by the reporting of senior Sydney Morning Herald and The Age correspondent Shane Wright.  The respected correspondent joins Jennifer Duke, CPA Australia’s Walkley Award-winning former economics correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.  They discuss the potential impact of this review. In particularly, the origins of the RBA and the broader implications for the Central Bank of this review.  And with the RBA firmly in the spotlight for its aggressive cash rate rises since May 2022, there will be much focus on this review when it’s delivered to the Treasurer Jim Chalmers.  “The reserve bank has this fantastic graph,” Wright says in this episode, “showing its forecast for wages growth from about 2012 marked against reality. And never the twain shall meet.  “This is the Mary Celeste of forecasting.”  Listen now.  Host: Jennifer Duke, External Affairs Lead at CPA Australia Guest: Shane Wright, Senior Economics correspondent with the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age You can read Shane’s reporting on the origins of the Reserve Bank and the case for a review. 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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected] Audio of RBA Governor Philip Lowe: Source: Reserve Bank of Australia 2021

A new Asia-Pacific Small Business survey by CPA Australia was released this week.  And the survey has some surprise findings, despite the economic turbulence and COVID-19-related issues.  However, we’ve flagged issues with the government that we believe could harm our future growth. Want key learnings from CPA Australia’s 14th annual Asia-Pacific small business survey?  We received responses from 4280 small businesses in: Australia New Zealand Mainland China Hong Kong India Malaysia New Zealand Philippines Singapore Taiwan Vietnam In this episode, we chat with one of the report’s authors to deep dive into the findings.  Listen now.  Host: Dr. Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, CPA Australia Guest: Gavan Ord, Senior Manager Business Policy, CPA Australia  And after you’ve listened to the podcast, have a read of the CPA Australia’s Small Business Survey and vote in our LinkedIn poll.  There is also a media release on this podcast topic. 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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

Retirement and financial wellbeing depends on ensuring all Australians can access appropriate, high-quality financial advice. Right? However, aspects of this sector haven’t worked as well as they could. Instead, consumers and advisers are grappling with high costs, a lack of trust and excessive documentation.  For these reasons, there has been a review (Michelle Levy’s Quality of Advice Review, otherwise known as the QAR).  The aim of the review is to improve the accessibility and affordability of quality financial advice. The recommendations were made public in February 2023.  To dive into the QAR are two CPA Australia experts who made submissions and worked closely with government and industry to help find some practical solutions.  Want to learn more? Listen right now.  Host: Jennifer Duke, External Affairs Lead at CPA Australia Guests: Keddie Waller, Head of Public Practice and SME at CPA Australia, and Michael Davison, Senior Manager, Advocacy and Retirement Policy at CPA Australia You can also have a look at CPA Australia’s Quality of Advice Review – Proposals for Reform. And read the media release explaining why the Joint Associations Working Group welcomes the release of the final report of the Quality of Advice Review For further information, CPA Australia has produced a Value of Advice research report which has some excellent insights. 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 platform.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]

In this special episode, we explain what this statement actually means. And why a professional accounting organisation like ours is actively supporting reconciliation.   And we ask the tough questions, such as, is this an appropriate thing for businesses to be doing? And is there a risk that some will engage in so-called ‘social washing? Providing perspective and insights on this important issue are two experts from CPA Australia.  Simone Spaulding, CPA Australia Senior Manager, Culture, Capability and Wellbeing, and Patrick Viljoen, CPA Australia Senior Manager Environmental, Social and Governance Policy. Listen now.  Host: Dr Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content at CPA Australia Guests:  Simone Spaulding, CPA Australia Senior Manager, Culture, Capability and Wellbeing Patrick Viljoen, Senior Manager Environmental, Social and Governance Policy at CPA Australia. CPA Australia publishes three podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:  With Interest INTHEBLACK Excel Tips Search for them on your podcast platform.  Email the podcast team at [email protected]  You can also read CPA Australia’s response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024 on our website

Superannuation for many Australians is at risk of a 45 per cent penalty tax due to ATO rules around applying your own professional or trade skills to your personal life.  And who is at most risk of this super rule? Accountants, solicitors, real estate agents and tradies.  The current rules prohibit transactions with related parties at “mate’s rates” or no rate at all. Even mistakenly using a work laptop to complete a personal task could trigger a breach. To examine this rule and offer CPA Australia’s view is Richard Webb, Policy Adviser for Superannuation and Financial Planning at CPA Australia.  Listen now.  Host: Jennifer Duke, External Affairs Lead at CPA Australia Guest: Richard Webb, Policy Adviser for Superannuation and Financial Planning at CPA Australia 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 app.  Email the podcast team at [email protected]  And you can read CPA Australia’s joint submission to Treasury on the non-arm’s length expense rules for superannuation funds.  For further reading, there is a media release by CPA Australia on this topic.

Today’s episode features special guest, ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh.  He’ll be discussing the changes made by the ATO to working from home (WFH) deductions and what these revisions mean for you.  Listen now.  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager, Tax Policy, Policy & Advocacy at CPA Australia Guest: Tim Loh, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Assistant Commissioner 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 app.  You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  For further information on today’s podcast, the ATO’s media release outlines changes to working from home deductions. Additionally, there is a practical compliance guideline from the ATO for additional running expenses while working from home.  And the ATO has a downloadable PDF poster which summarises working from home deductions.  You can also read about working from home expenses on the ATO’s website.  Also, the ATO’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts have content related to today’s episode.

Today’s episode examines new reporting requirements for electronic distribution platforms.  This is relevant to many Australians as an estimated 250,000 work in the online economy, otherwise known as the gig, sharing or barter economy.  And some of these changes from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) will start on 1 July 2023.  Explaining what you need to know is guest expert Elinor Kasapidis, senior manager of tax policy at CPA Australia.  Listen now.  Host: Dr. Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, Marketing and Communications at CPA Australia Guest: Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager of Tax Policy at CPA Australia. 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 app.  Email the podcast team at [email protected]  For more insights, CPA Australia has made a submission to the ATO on electronic distribution platform reporting. And the ATO has useful information on the sharing economy reporting regime

Today’s episode looks at budget submissions made to the Federal Government.  Each year, hundreds of organisations make submissions to the Treasury. This includes CPA Australia, which has 44 recommendations.  Discussing the business issues underlying these requests is guest expert Gavan Ord, Senior Manager of Business Policy at CPA Australia. Listen now.  Host: Dr. Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, Marketing and Communications at CPA Australia Guest: Gavan Ord, Senior Manager of Business Policy at CPA Australia 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 app.  Email the podcast team at [email protected]  And you can read CPA Australia’s 2023 budget submission to Treasury.

Today’s episode looks at Australia’s rollercoaster property market. What do the fluctuations mean for property owners, buyers (including first-time buyers), investors and renters? Discussing this is guest expert Warren Hogan. He is the chief economic adviser at Judo Bank and has recently commenced doing residential property research as an economic adviser to Halo Technologies. Warren is also a former chief economist of the ANZ Banking Group and a principal adviser to the Federal Treasury. Listen now. Host: Dr. Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, Marketing and Communications at CPA Australia Guest: Warren Hogan, a chief economic adviser at Judo Bank who has recently commenced doing residential property research as an economic adviser to Halo Technologies. He is also a former chief economist of the ANZ Banking Group and a principal adviser to the Federal Treasury. 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. You can email the podcast team at [email protected]  

Today’s episode looks at the Federal Government’s commitments on environmental policy, and what they mean for business in Australia. This includes climate-related disclosures, new emissions limits, net zero, greenwashing, costs to businesses, just transition and more. Discussing this is our guest expert Patrick Viljoen, Senior Manager of Environmental, Social and Governance Policy at CPA Australia. Listen now. Host: Dr. Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content, Marketing and Communications at CPA Australia Guest: Patrick Viljoen, Senior Manager of Environmental, Social and Governance Policy at CPA Australia CPA Australia publishes three podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting. They are: With Interest INTHEBLACK (coming soon) Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast service. You can email the podcast team at [email protected] And if you have a question about any of the topics we’ve discussed in this podcast, or any of CPA Australia’s policy and advocacy work, email [email protected].

In this first episode of 2023, we forecast what’s in store for business this year. Specifically, we focus on key areas such as economic growth, the labour force, inflation, and interest rates. To discuss this is our guest expert Gavan Ord, Senior Manager of Business Policy at CPA Australia. Listen now. Host: Dr Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content Guest: Gavan Ord, Senior Manager of Business Policy at CPA Australia 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. And you can email the podcast team at [email protected]

In 2023, the CPA Australia Podcast is changing its name to With Interest. With Interest brings you unrivalled commentary and thought leadership for businesses, accounting and finance professionals. Each week, we share expert industry opinions, insights and resources across accounting, public practice, taxation, auditing, finance, strategy, leadership, economic and business-related issues. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes. With Interest is presented by CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, with core services that include education, training, technical support and advocacy. In 2018, CPA Australia won an Award of Excellence at the 24th Annual Communicator Awards in the category of 'Podcasts - General-Corporation/Business'. ---------------------------------------------------- CPA Australia publishes three podcasts: - With Interest - INTHEBLACK  - Excel Tips To find out more about our podcasts, visit https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts - or search for the shows in your podcast service. To contact the podcast team email us at [email protected].

In this episode, we examine the summer employment market.  We look at what jobseekers, recruiters and employers need to know, including those in the accounting and finance industries.  We also explore job ads, wages growth, and WFH home trends. To discuss this is our guest expert Matt Cowgill, Senior Economist at Australian online employment marketplace, SEEK. Listen now.  Host:  Dr Jane Rennie, General Manager Media and Content Guest: Matt Cowgill, Senior Economist at SEEK For more career insights, CPA Australia’s “Career, Elevated” December 2022 January 2023 Special Edition is out now.  And for market insights, SEEK has produced an employment report across industries with national and state and territory insights.  SEEK has also produced a report that examines the advertised salaries index (ASI) trends across a variety of industries up to October 2022.  This is our last episode of With Interest for the year.  But we will return in January 2023 with all-new episodes.  From all of us here at CPA Australia, thanks for listening to With Interest in 2022.

In this episode, tech evangelist Doug Boyd from Data reFactory delves into different aspects of financial data.  He simplifies what it is and how financial data can be combined with other data to provide meaningful information and business insights.  Specifically, he offers his insights into key areas that relate to CPA Australia members and, more broadly, the accounting profession, such as data triangulation, data governance and data sovereignty. Listen now.  Host:  Dr Jana Schmitz, Digital Economy Policy Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Doug Boyd, Director, Data reFactory

In this episode, we look at the risks and approaches to drought planning, preparedness and recovery and the role that accountants can play in this cycle. To help explore this topic is our guest expert Courtney Bryant, Assistant Secretary from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Listen now.  Host:  Kimberley Ohayon, Manager of Advocacy and Engagement at CPA Australia Guest: Courtney Bryant, Assistant Secretary from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry CPA Australia has released two new My Firm, My Future e-learning modules to further support our regional and rural members.  One on the Drought Support Shared Responsibility Framework which we have referenced in this podcast, and one on Succession Planning for farming clients. Additionally, you can find more useful information by searching “drought” on the official government department site. 

In this episode, we examine Labor’s proposed industrial relations reforms, currently before Parliament.  What will change for business, who might be impacted, and when could this happen?  To help answer these questions is our guest expert Michael Nicolazzo, who specialises in employment and workplace law at Maddocks law firm. Listen now.  Host:  Dr Jane Rennie, CPA Australia General Manager Media and Content Guest: Michael Nicolazzo, a partner at Maddocks law firm specialising in employment and workplace law

In this episode, COP27 (the United Nations Climate Change conference of the Parties) is explained by CPA Australia’s Senior Manager of Environmental, Social and Governance Policy.  From what’s on the agenda to Australia’s participation and the potential outcomes from this major climate change conference, currently being held in Egypt.  Listen now.  Host:  Dr Jane Rennie, CPA Australia General Manager Media and Content Guest: Patrick Viljoen, CPA Australia’s Senior Manager of Environmental, Social and Governance Policy

In this episode, we discuss the support available to small businesses following a severe storm, flood, bushfire, earthquake, or landslide. Specifically, we highlight the not-for-profit Small Business Debt Helpline and how it can help small business owners and sole traders in financial difficulty following a natural disaster. Listen now. Host: Dr Jane Rennie, CPA Australia General Manager Media and Content Guests: Helen Davis, Small Business Debt Helpline General Manager and Sandra Blake, Small Business Debt Helpline financial counsellor You can find the Small Business Debt Helpline online and you can reach them on 1800 413 828. It has qualified financial counsellors who can answer your questions and give you sound advice to help get your business back on its feet. And CPA Australia’s Disaster Recovery page has sound information as well as resources and strategies for recovering your business following a disaster.

PivotTables allow you to create reports without using a single formula. The standard calculation for a PivotTable is SUM. 

Federal Labour has handed down its first Budget since it came to power earlier this year.  Has this first Budget delivered on what Australia needs in these challenging economic times? How does this Budget rate and what does it mean for small business?  What were the taxation measures announced? And is there a clear roadmap for future growth from the Albanese Government? CPA Australia’s policy experts analyse and dissect the Budget announced by the Treasurer Jim Chalmers.  Listen now.  Host:  Dr Jane Rennie, CPA Australia General Manager Media and Content Guests: Gavan Ord, CPA Australia Senior Manager Business Policy and Elinor Kasapidis, CPA Australia Senior Manager Taxation Policy  And for more analysis and commentary on this the second Federal Budget of 2022, CPA Australia online has you covered. 

The recent large-scale Optus data breach in Australia is a timely reminder to small business of cybersecurity.  In this episode, we explain what small businesses can do to avoid falling prey to cyber criminals.  It includes advice and explanations on the different types of data breaches, email phishing scams, how cyber insurance works and more.  Additionally, CPA Australia has its own cybersecurity hub which has information on how your business can protect its data.  Other useful information can be found at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. And the Australian Cyber Security Centre has tips to help you stay secure online.   Listen now Host:  Jennifer Duke, CPA Australia External Affairs Lead Guest: Keddie Waller, CPA Australia Head of Public Practice and SME 

CPA Australia’s Senior Tax Manager Elinor Kasapidis attended September’s invite-only, ATO-hosted OECD Forum on Tax Administration. At this event in Sydney, discussions took place between global tax regulators, administrators, and business representatives, with a raft of ideas debated. In this episode, she unpacks what was raised in the forum’s agenda and offers CPA Australia’s perspective on the event. Listen now. Host:  Dr Jane Rennie, CPA Australia General Manager Media and Content Guest: Elinor Kasapidis, CPA Australia Senior Manager Tax Policy

In this episode, delve inside the mind of Daniel Pink, a best-selling book author writing on business, work, creativity and behaviour. Pink, who is a speaker at the CPA Virtual Congress 19-21 October, explains some innovative ways he approaches workplace productivity and behaviours. And he outlines smart tips and ideas that can help you enhance your potential and mindset at work.  Listen now. Host: Jackie Blondell, CPA Australia editor Guest: Daniel Pink, CPA Australia Virtual Congress speaker and author of several best-selling books on business, work, creativity and behaviour

Disputes can negatively impact small business. In this episode, the Victorian Small Business Commissioner explains how small businesses can put strategies in place to avoid potentially damaging business-to-business disputes. And she outlines the resolution pathways available. Listen now. Host:  Gavan Ord, senior manager of business policy at CPA Australia Guest: Lynda McAlary-Smith, the Victorian Small Business Commissioner

Did you know September 29 is Auditor Proud Day? In this episode, learn more about auditing’s rich history from ancient Roman times to the challenges faced by today’s auditors. These include how digital technology has been incorporated into the role, the changing scope of an audit and how to attract a new generation of auditors. Listen now.

Over recent months, the ATO-led Serious Financial Crime Taskforce executed a series of warrants across Australia against individuals suspected of being involved in significant GST fraud. Subsequently, it referred details of 29,000 of these individuals to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. Learn how the multi-agency Operation Protego was planned and executed. Listen now. Host:  Elinor Kasapidis, CPA Australia’s Senior Manager Tax Policy Guest: Michael Morton, Assistant Commissioner, Small Business Risk and Strategy at the Australian Tax Office

The recently tabled changes to the fringe benefits tax (FBT) are part of the government strategy for boosting electric vehicle (EV) uptake by reducing the price differential between EVs and conventional petrol and diesel-fueled cars. Is it time to switch to an EV to qualify for FBT exemption? This podcast highlights key factors to consider, such as the vehicles that are eligible and the additional costs of running and maintaining an EV. Listen now.  

In this podcast episode, learn about Goal Seek and how it can help you in Microsoft Excel. Hosted by Neale Blackwood CPA.

Against a backdrop of the lowest unemployment rate in 48 years, and with more job vacancies than unemployed people in Australia, a national Skills and Jobs Summit was held over two days in early September.  This is the first of two With Interest episodes that explore outcomes from the Summit.   In this episode, you’ll learn what the summit delivered in terms of solutions for business.  Listen in as CPA Australia’s subject matter experts discuss.  

The ATO recently disclosed that more than 180,000 tax returns, or around 4 per cent of the 4.5 million tax returns filed in July, were either manually reviewed by an ATO employee to verify claims and/or adjusted by the ATO. The ATO has pointed the finger squarely at early lodgments as the culprit for the high number of returns which needed reviewing or fixing. Does it make more sense to delay the start of tax time? Listen now.

Organisations around the world are grappling with an array of complex global issues right now. That said, those businesses prioritising technology and digital skills are in a much better position to handle these challenges. CPA Australia recently published its Business Technology Report 2022. Jonathan Ng, policy adviser in CPA Australia’s Hong Kong office, coordinated this major research piece, and in this week’s podcast he discusses the findings.

In this podcast, public practitioner at Future Advisory and CPA Australia public practice committee member Jason Robinson explores some of these challenges and shares his insights into how the industry is handling these issues.

There is a global push for businesses to increase the disclosures of the environmental risks their operations pose. With the new draft of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards recently released, we discuss the Board’s approach and how it might compel businesses to disclose their sustainability practices, or lack thereof, to the public.

When creating a line chart in Excel, you may need to insert a vertical line to mark something on the chart. Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to do it. 

Until recently, Buy Now Pay Later services have flown under the radar in terms of regulation. They have not typically been considered “credit” and so have been exempted from laws that apply to credit cards and personal loans. But with this space worth A$14.3 billion to Australia’s GDP in the most-recent financial year  ̶   and with user debt also a concern  ̶   should there be more regulatory scrutiny on this booming micro-credit industry?

We’re now in the middle of winter and true to form, winter illnesses are surging. The chief, though by no means only, culprit is COVID-19; and like other COVID-19 spikes, it’s having a major impact on workplaces. In this environment, businesses have to make tough decisions about how to operate sustainably while ensuring staff, clients and customers are kept safe. Marissa Alley, CPA Australia’s Executive General Manager People and Culture, drops in to discuss how businesses and employees can navigate this difficult environment. Host:  Dr Jane Rennie, CPA Australia’s General Manager Media and Content

Accountants’ letters are used by some lenders to assess a borrower’s ability to service a loan before they’ll approve it, requiring an accountant to confirm that they’ve assessed the client’s ability to repay the loan. In this podcast, Keddie Waller, CPA Australia’s Head of Public Practice and Small and Medium Enterprises explores the reasons for their use and the associate risks for accountants and business. She also outlines CPA’s position on this issue.  

In this week’s episode, Kristen Beadle, CPA Australia Manager Public Practice and SMEs discusses the state of Australia’s building industry including the increase in insolvencies.

This podcast explores what’s driving the current volatility in cryptocurrency markets and the importance of seeing a registered tax agent if you’ve disposed of crypto during the recent sell-off. Listen now.  

In our ongoing Excel Yourself podcast series, learn how to do dynamic arrays in Microsoft Excel with host Neale Blackwood CPA.

Having multiple employers has tax consequences. The ATO explains what work-related expenses can and can’t be claimed on your tax return claims. 

Australians invest in many assets – rental properties, crypto currency, NFTs – and tax mistakes are not uncommon. Here's common sense advice from the ATO.  

This podcast outlines what tax claims tradies can make in 2022 and answers the question: are bacon and egg rolls a work-related expense? Listen now.  

This podcast outlines what tax claims and tax deductions can be made in 2022 and finally answers the question: are Tim Tams a work-related expense?

In this episode learn how Excel's new functions continue to extend and expand both the power and versatility of Excel's formula capability.

This podcast dives into the super changes, what business and accountants need to do, and the impacts of abolishing the minimum threshold for super guarantee payments 

This podcast explores what decentralized finance is and how it affects the finance industry. Learn about MINER tokens, stablecoins and more. Listen now.

This podcast episode discusses CPA Australia’s analysis of the 2022 Federal Election and what members can expect from the new government. Listen now.

This podcast episode identifies the elements of the Australian economy under pressure and impacting the country’s road back to normal. Listen now.  

This podcast episode helps accountants advise their SME clients in financial distress from challenges ranging from inflation to insolvency. Listen now.

In this podcast episode hear from Neale Blackwood CPA on the essential excel skills current and future accountants should know.

Social media can help you attract and keep customers, get customer feedback and retain loyalty. This podcast outlines the best place to get started.

In this episode of CPA Australia's With Interest, Dr Andrew Leigh provides insights into how the Australian Labor Party plans to engage with Australian businesses to deliver their economic plan, modernising fundraising laws, taxation issues and the important role of accountants.

Excel has dramatically improved its data handling capabilities over the past decade, including the Data Model. In this podcast episode, learn some of the basic features, which are still extremely powerful and flexible.

In this episode we chat with the Deputy Registrar of the Australian Business Registry, Michelle Crosby, about how the Modernising Business Registry Program streamlines processes for directors. See our resources for Modernising Business Registers here.

In this episode, we chat with the Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert on all things small business, what we can expect from an election and the critical role of accountants in supporting small business.

In this special edition podcast, our experts unpack the key highlights from the federal budget 2022-23.You’ll hear the pros and cons of easing cost-of-living pressures with a mix of direct cash handouts and a reduction in fuel excise, the impact of the budget on small businesses, and if the upcoming election influenced the budget offerings.

In this episode, our experts discuss the results of CPA Australia's annual survey of small businesses in 11 markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia. We share key takeaways and insights into the state of digital transformation, innovation and resilience of small businesses in the wake of the pandemic.

In this podcast episode you will learn how to create a date format on the formula cells to ensure they correctly display the calculated date.

As we can see with the recent floods in Queensland and New South Wales, small businesses are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters. CPA Australia has lodged a submission with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman with key recommendations on how governments can assist small businesses to recover from natural disasters. You’ll also hear insights about ways in which the government and local communities can better support small businesses in managing and recovering from natural disasters. 

In this episode, our experts discuss the adoption of digital financial reporting across the world. You’ll get insights into the current state of digital financial reporting in Australia and learnings from other countries that have adopted the technology to inform our transitioning from voluntary to mandated digital financial reporting.

In this episode, we discuss CPA Australia’s recommendations for tax reforms in the upcoming federal budget. We unpack the impact of inflation on lower to middle-income tax brackets, the compliance issues with fringe benefits tax (FBT) and a sustainable approach to GST tax. You’ll also hear our experts explain why we need to tax electrical vehicles. Listen now.

In this episode, we discuss whether support for business should be part of the federal budget in March. Some commentators say the time for government support has passed and we need to pay down the nation’s pandemic debt. Yet, CPA Australia says support is warranted and there are lots of non-financial ways to provide it.

Printing in Excel can present challenges, but in this Excel Yourself podcast episode, learn how these can be solved by using the icons in the workbook views section of the view ribbon tab.

As we inch closer to the tax season, our special guest Andrew Watson, Assistant Commissioner, ATO Small Business division, shares expert advice on the latest in tax including record keeping principles, tax gap, separating personal and businesses expenses, cashflow coaching and more. 

In this podcast episode, you’ll hear the co-owner of Walkabout Lodge, Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land and Belinda Howie, FCPA, managing director of Northern Sky Accounting and Advisory talk about overcoming hardships and pivoting the restaurant business to adapt to COVID-19. 

In this podcast, our experts discuss the implications of an upcoming Federal election on the treatment of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. They discuss what direction Australia’s financial regulators, the ASX and companies may take on ESG, irrespective of the election outcome. What will this mean for accountants and how can small and medium businesses get a grasp on the issues?

As we enter the third year of the pandemic, employers across Australia have once again had to backtrack on their reopening plans due to the spread of the Omicron variant. In this episode, we explore how employers can adapt to the rapidly changing rules and regulations around COVID-19, and the role of employers in the provision of RATs for employees, booster mandates, flexibility around sick leave, and creating a safe work environment. 

As part of the Excel Yourself CPA Australia Podcast series, hear how If you create a formula and then realise it needs to handle errors, you need to insert the IFERROR function at the start of your formula.

In this week’s episode, our experts discuss the results of a recent CPA Australia survey of business and economic sentiment. Despite restrictions easing and a strong economic recovery, businesses are concerned about workforce shortages, increasing costs, supply difficulties and uncertainty about the management of future COVID-19 outbreaks.

In this podcast episode, join our experts as they discuss how a Sydney auditor and an audit firm’s failure to comply with auditing standards contributed to the collapse of Halifax Investment Services. You will hear why auditors are important gatekeepers within the wider financial reporting system.

In this week’s episode of COVID Chat, we’re joined by Peter Bourke, a senior talent acquisition lead with Accountancy Options. Peter gives us an insider’s perspective on current trends in accounting recruitment, his tips for employers and employees, as well as his predictions for 2022. Listen now.

In this podcast episode, you’ll get insights into the changing risk profile of accounting firms that cope with the impact of the pandemic on their day-to-day operations, and managing clients in financial difficulty.

In this podcast, our special guest Tony Jackson from QBE Insurance Group shares his insights into the challenges posed by the pandemic on commercial insurance, including which sectors were hit hardest. You'll also hear about business interruption claims, a global upswing in insurance premiums and government subsidised insurance.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the reasons driving inflation in Australia and across the globe and its potential impacts on consumer confidence, business and interest rates. We also share suggestions for businesses on managing the impact of inflation. 

In this episode, Jacco Moison from the FMA talks with Claire Grayston FCPA about how well audit firms managed under the restrictions of COVID-19, the uptake of technology, how firms have responded to the key findings and examples of best practice.

On International Accounting Day we speak to three professional accountants operating in diverse sectors. In this episode, you will hear about the changing role of professional accountants in 2021. Our guests share how Covid-19 has expanded the role of an accountant to that of a trusted advisor, the importance of staying relevant in an age of automation and enhancing their complementary skills.

In this podcast, our special guest William Young CPA, Fund Manager, Mortgages, Real Estate Investment, Australian Unity talks about commercial property trends including a shift towards more floor space to build COVID-safe offices, landlords increasing incentives to attract and retain tenants, and the factors leading to strong demand and high prices in commercial property value. You'll also hear about the latest trends in the development of mixed-use offices and the rise of experiential retail.

As part of the Excel Yourself CPA Australia Podcast series, hear how the LET function offers useful solutions to tricky Excel challenges.

In this episode, we discuss tips to set up a COVID safe workplace, as well the different return-to-office plans being adopted by the Big 4 consulting firms and small-to-medium businesses including a 60/40 model, case by case remote working approach and performance-based work from home arrangements.

In this podcast episode we'll explore, with guests James Burt and Simon Smithers from Oracle why the generational shift to the cloud and adoption of software-as-a-service products by businesses is a move in the right direction.

In this episode we discuss developments involving the short cut method for claiming work-from-home expenses, registering multiple business categories under a single ABN and the impending start of the director ID regime, as well as our usual round-up of grant and roadmap changes in Australia.

In this episode, our special guest Catherine Dunlop, Partner at legal firm Maddocks, discusses workplace health and safety issues surrounding COVID-19. You’ll hear insights on whether employers can mandate vaccines, public health orders, dispute management between vaccinated and unvaccinated workers, and more.

In this episode, you’ll hear our experts discuss the workplace and employment issues of businesses reopening after a COVID-19 lockdown. You’ll also hear the latest announcements for business grants around Australia. Listen now.

In our Microsoft Excel podcast series, find out more about hyperlinked index sheets. Hyperlinked index sheets are useful tools for speeding up and simplifying navigation around large Excel files.

4 October 2021 | This episode outlines recent changes to business grants and the impact of tapering off businesses support, plus we have special guest Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Tax Policy, explain the ATO’s position on tax lodgement deferrals, and provide an update on Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 reporting. Listen now.  

2021 CPA Australia Congress speaker, UK executive Jonny Coombe, reveals how to developing ‘intrepreneurs’ in your business can drive innovation.

27 September 2021 | This episode gives you the latest developments for each state and territory, covering business support, grants, roadmaps out of lockdown, and more. Listen now.

In this career skills re-release episode, join our guests to learn how they have used accounting and finance skills to grow their careers in both accounting and other roles. You will also learn why, as you progress in your career, the ability to view financial information from different perspectives will help you make more holistic decisions.

Fighting cyber crime involves more smarts than money. In this podcast episode cyber experts show small business how to prepare for increasing attacks.

As finance professionals, we focus on financial well-being. In this podcast we'll explore how we can make incremental changes to improve overall health.

Listen to the latest Excel Yourself podcast episode to find out how using power query can help in your data transformation and data preparation in Microsoft Excel.

In this podcast, renowned collaboration expert Erica Dhawan discusses how even body language has gone digital and she reveals the new signals and cues that make or break trust, empathy and respect in the digital age.

Find out how technology is changing accounting skills in this career skills revisited podcast episode. Looking for more on this topic? The emerging faces of accounting is one of the themes at this year’s Virtual Congress 2021. It’s happening soon on 20-22 October 2021.

Listen to the latest Excel Yourself podcast episode to find out what you need to know about making conditional formats work for you in dashboards and reporting.

Discover the career stories of two finance professionals and how they got to the interesting and senior roles they are in today. Listen now.

Our most popular tax time 2021 episode, listen in to discover the methods, issues and common mistakes with work-related expenses this tax season. You’ll also find tips on how to manage conversations with clients. Comes with a new introduction from our host Elinor Kasapidis, Senior Manager Tax Policy, CPA Australia.

We are re-releasing this popular episode where Mark Broadhead and Rich Hirst discuss ways to thrive during uncertainty. They offer practical tips and advice on how to develop these skills, such as taking responsibility, looking for the gift in every situation, and focusing your energy in the direction of growth and learning.

The LET function enables you to use variables within your Excel formulas. This means you can avoid using helper cells and create standalone formulas to solve real-world problems. Currently, it is only available in the subscription version of Excel.

This career skills revisited episode features Andrew Seinor FCPA, co-creator of The H Factor, and Sainyog Prajapati CPA, founder of Next Climb and F360. They discuss how they work together on strategic planning, the benefits of digital innovation, and how mutual respect and trust are key to a productive working relationship. Listen now.

Once you have your figures right, the next step is presenting them. Here are a few ideas to help you improve your formatting and make your files easier to read, understand and use. Listen now.

Listen in to hear a discussion on financial reporting by charities, particularly in the context of the ACNC’s surveillance program.

Learn what’s considered a hobby vs a business, information on claiming income and deductions, and why tax agents should be talking to clients about record keeping for next year.

Discover the issues and common errors in relation to property this tax season, plus key reminders from the ATO, and guidance for tax agents to help clients navigate the COVID-19 environment.

Learn why the ATO is focusing on cryptocurrency this tax season, plus tips for tax agents to help you manage conversations with clients. Listen now.

Discover the methods, issues and common mistakes with work-related expenses, plus tips for tax agents on how to manage conversations with clients. Listen now.

In this career skills revisited re-release podcast episode, Clare Lezaja CPA and Shane Michael Hatton discuss how to build your skills, reputation and personal brand to be ready when promotion opportunities emerge.

Hear from two experts as they discuss how to find opportunities and what skills and qualities you need to be appointed to a board. Listen now.

Discover a fascinating discussion with Kris Fothergill FCPA and his colleague, covering tips for working remotely and how to combine work and adventure.

Meet singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Holly Rankin, who tells you how she works with her accountant to grow her businesses and career. Listen now.

Discover how cloud technology for audit is evolving, the tools available, and the potential challenges of implementing a cloud system. Listen now.

Join our policy experts for a discussion of the budget papers, covering implications for the accounting profession and more. Listen now.

CPA Australia Podcast will be back with brand new episodes in May 2021. Subscribe to the podcast to be notified when our new episodes are available. We have over 190 episodes for you to listen to in the meantime. 

Knowing what a cell contains can be useful when developing your formulas. Excel has a collection of IS functions that can help.

Join our expert guest to get an inside view to the Aged Care Royal Commission, plus key changes you should be prepared for. Listen now. 

Dynamic charts allow the user to make selections that are automatically updated in the chart. In this Podcast episode Neale Blackwood CPA, examine how to use range names to convert a static chart in a dynamic one.

As part of our Career Skills Revisited re-release podcast series, learn what it takes to land a Board role in your career by hearing the stories and lessons from Claire Braund, co-founder and Executive Director of Woman on Boards.

Join our guests to learn how they have used accounting and finance skills to grow their careers in both accounting and other roles. Listen now.

Join our experts as they discuss why transfer pricing seems to be a perennial risk for the ATO, and how you should respond to a risk review. Listen now.

Hear from ASIC’s Chief Accountant on the key findings from ASIC's audit inspection report. Listen now.

Slicers are an easy-to-use filter interface for pivot tables. In this podcast episode that is part of the Excel Yourself series, Neale Blackwood CPA will take us through about how to use slicers on formatted tables in Microsoft Excel.

In this podcast episode, our expert guests discuss the findings from the report, plus explain the directors’ and audit committees’ roles in audit quality. Listen now.  

Our expert guests use current real-life cyber insurance claims to demonstrate the risks faced by public practitioners. Listen now.

Discover how e-invoicing will help your business grow faster, covering improved transparency and efficiency, fewer errors, cash flow benefits, and more.

Discover how to work with the ATO on complex issues, covering the risks of being unprepared for compliance activity and when to seek expert assistance.

Part of our Excel Yourself series about skills you should know in Microsoft Excel for your day to day use. In this episode learn about small data sets. Excel is not a database, but it can handle small datasets. These can be useful for data that isn’t available in existing databases, but is still required for reports or dashboards. This podcast looks at how to convert a data entry layout that is easy to input, into a layout that works best with PivotTables and other reports. The solution uses Power Query and is very flexible.

In our ongoing series of podcasts about Microsoft Excel, did you know you can create your own functions in Excel? In this podcast we look at three functions (called User Defined Functions or UDF’s) that you can create to improve Excel’s functionality. One function returns the username. The next determines if a cell contains a date. The last function allows you to split text and extract specific entries based on a delimiter character. This is handy for codes that have a set structure.

As accounting firms embrace digital transformation, the new technologies are changing the skills early-career accountants need to succeed. Our guests discuss the findings from a research report, revealing five ways technology is changing accounting skills. Listen now.

In this re-release episode, originally released in July 2020, Simon Eassom discusses how having a micro-credential on your resume demonstrates specialised skills that employers can trust. He covers why you’ll start to see the rise of importance of micro-credentials in our education system, why they give an employer a third-party validation of your skills, and why micro-credentials can fill a skills gap from entry level to the C-suite. 

Join two experts to discover which components of annual reports users consider important, and the key decisions they make from the report. Listen now.

Using current professional indemnity insurance claims as examples, in this podcast episode Drew Fenton CPA and Kevin Nhan discuss the risks public practitioners face if they operate outside of their mandate and areas of expertise. Guest: Kevin Nhan, Service Manager, Professional Lines Claims, QBE Host: Drew Fenton CPA, Managing Director, Fenton Green and co

In this podcast episode, you’ll hear from Doug Niven, ASIC’s chief accountant, on their approach to regulation and support in the COVID-19 environment. Niven will discuss ASIC’s focus areas for financial reporting in the current economic environment, as well as their frequently asked questions, to assist preparers and auditors tackle some of the challenges that could arise from COVID-19 related impacts. Listen now.   

Continuing the Excel Yourself podcast series, Neale Blackwood CPA discusses text boxes in Microsoft Excel and why it will help in your day to day usage in Excel.

As part of the Microsoft Excel podcast series, Neale Blackwood CPA will explain all about the XLOOKUP function and why it is important to use. Just like VLOOKUP which is going away, XLOOKUP allows you to look up a code in a table and return entries on the same row as the code.

In this new podcast episode, our three guests will give you insights into the very different paths they have taken to becoming a partner. They each have a different story. Listen now.

This episode was originally released 22nd May 2020 and is part of our CPA Congress 2020 re-release series. In this podcast episode, Schmitz and Pirovich examine the proposal for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the current level of interest among central banks in issuing them.

Our experts discuss key aspects of the budget papers from the Australian Federal Budget 2020-21, and what it means for the accounting profession. Listen now.

Discover the key opportunities and challenges faced by FinTech in 2020 and beyond, and how small and medium businesses can benefit. Listen now.

Discover why risk management, technology and sustainability are key issues for board members, plus practical advice on corporate governance. Listen now.

This episode was originally released on 15th May 2020. In this podcast episode, Bernard Salt provides an insight into the economic and social trends in Australia for the remainder of this year and beyond, and why he thinks the path ahead is a "staircase recovery", with the real issue being how to navigate it.

Independence for auditors of self-managed super funds is a significant issue for public practitioners. In this podcast episode, Channa Wijesinghe and Kellie Grant discuss the restructured code of ethics as well as auditor independence matters that impact on the SMSF sector.

Discover how taking responsibility and focusing on the things you can control, combined with emotional intelligence, are the skills you need to thrive.

Originally released 9th August 2019, EQ expert David Smith discusses how finance professionals can develop their emotional intelligence skills to achieve results in the workplace. Listen now.

Strategies for public practitioners to reduce the risk of claim, plus how businesses can manage risk in an economic downturn. Listen now.

This podcast includes a few ideas on how we can use the new dynamic array features as well as ideas on using existing functions with them. There will no doubt be lots of creative applications of these new features.

This podcast episode introduces Andrew Seinor FCPA, co-creator of The H Factor, and Sainyog Prajapati CPA, founder of Next Climb and F360. They discuss how they work together on strategic planning, the benefits of digital innovation, and how mutual respect and trust are key to a productive working relationship. Listen now.

This podcast episode introduces the concept of dynamic arrays in Excel. The new UNIQUE function is used as an example to help explain the new formula terminology and symbols. Listen now.

This podcast episode gives an in-depth explanation of two new functions that are part of Excel’s new dynamic arrays feature. We cover the use and structure of the UNIQUE and FILTER functions.

This podcast episode introduces and explains the remaining four new functions associated with the new dynamic arrays feature in Excel. The SORT, SORTBY, SEQUENCE and RANDARRAY functions are all discussed. Listen now.

Discover how to create a cybersafe environment for your organisation, covering cost-effective tech solutions and remote work risks. Listen now.

Tips for public practitioners to identify the tax consequences arising from COVID-19 for their rental property investor clients. Listen now.

Discover why micro-credentials demonstrate a specialised skill that employers can trust, and why they can fill a skills gap at any age and career stage.

Learn the signs that your client may be heading for insolvency and how to work with them, plus how small business owners can protect themselves. Listen now

As part of our career skills re-release series, listen to discover how robotic process automation can benefit your organisation, covering strategy, key factors for successful implementation, and more

A fascinating discussion on how to build your skills and reputation within an organisation to be ready for promotion when opportunities emerge. Listen now.

The response of governments worldwide to the COVID-19 pandemic was strong and swift, with many businesses unprepared for economic lockdown. How can businesses reimagine and reinvent once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted? In this podcast episode, Mike Sewell FCPA discusses the types of businesses who have experienced high demand throughout - or due to - the COVID-19 pandemic, and some of the challenges they face. He provides practical ways businesses can manage a temporary spike in demand, and offers lessons other businesses can learn from these high growth businesses. Listen now. Guest: Mike Sewell FCPA, Business Advisor, The Entrepreneurs’ Programme. Host: Gavan Ord, Manager – Business and Investment Policy, CPA Australia.

The response of governments worldwide to the COVID-19 pandemic was strong and swift, with many businesses unprepared for economic lockdown. How can businesses best recover in the current climate? In this podcast episode, Mike Sewell FCPA discusses practical ways businesses who have been, or are about to be, hit by substantial revenue reduction due COVID-19 lockdowns can react. He offers lessons learnt from businesses who have already been through the crisis of their work and clients diminishing, and what businesses can do to prepare and act to ensure survival. Guest: Mike Sewell FCPA, Business Advisor, The Entrepreneurs’ Programme. Host: Gavan Ord, Manager – Business and Investment Policy, CPA Australia.

The response of governments worldwide to the COVID-19 pandemic was strong and swift, with many businesses unprepared for economic lockdown. How can businesses best respond to the current climate? In part one of the Roadmap to Recovery podcast series, Mike Sewell FCPA discusses how businesses have responded to the COVID-19 crisis, and how they are recovering. He provides practical tips to improve the cash position of a business, suggestions for how business should approach the recovery phase, and how to reconsider strategy for the post-COVID-19 environment. Listen now.

Practical tips for tax time, including potential issues around JobKeeper payments, preparing for an earlier tax time & how to manage workflow. Listen now.

Discover how COVID-19 has accelerated projects on central bank digital currencies, including technical design options and the role of the private sector.

Discover what Australia might look like post-pandemic, why accounting skills are crucial, and Salt’s best advice for young professionals. Listen now.

Learn how to charge clients for services, how to assist with JobKeeper, how to segment your client base and how to align staff to communicate consistently.

David Hardidge, Technical Director at Queensland Audit Office, says there’s an intention to make IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) agenda decisions mandatory. In this podcast episode, Hardidge provides an overview of IFRIC agenda decisions, discusses what may happen if they are mandated, and how to know if you’re affected by these decisions. He also gives examples in relation to AASB 15 or IFRS 15, AASB 16 or IFRS 16 among others. Hardidge is in conversation with Ram Subramanian, Policy Adviser – Reporting at CPA Australia.

Hear a discussion with representatives from The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) on auditing and assurance standard setting.

Discover why the JobKeeper package is a lifesaver for businesses and the economy, the challenges eligible businesses face and how to prepare. Listen now.

In this podcast episode,  Claire Braund, co-founder and Executive Director of Women on Boards, shares her incredible career success story. Braund is a social entrepreneur who co-founded Women on Boards in 2006 and has been at the helm of the company ever since, growing it to 22,000 women across Australia from its head office in Gosford on the Central Coast. Braund discusses the challenges she faced in the Board ‘universe’ and how to take that next step in your career to secure a board position. Braund is in conversation with Louise Roberts FCPA, Deputy Chair of the Victorian Women’s CPA Committee.

Data security is more important than ever when you and your team are working from home. In this week's episode of the CPA Australia podcast, recorded remotely on 1 April, Alan FitzGerald shares insights on how to improve data security in the age of COVID-19.    FitzGerald is the founder of Practice Connections, which assists accounting firms in choosing software fit for their needs, and has held a range of other technology advisory positions. Listen as he shares his tips on business continuity planning, security and software upgrades as well as the security of physical hardware. Listen now. 

The CPA Australia Victorian Small & Medium Enterprise Committee brings you a continued discussion on real estate. This week: current commercial real estate trends and investment considerations along with the impact of COVID-19. Listen to Bobby Papadopoulos CPA, SME Liaison, who hosts William Young CPA, Head of Australia, China Orient Summit Capital.

Kellie Grant, Director at the ATO, explains what the ATO has found in its reviews of Self-managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) auditors in the 2019 compliance program and why many of those SMSF auditors were referred to ASIC. The ATO’s 2019 program focussed on the top 100 auditors and high-risk auditors. Kellie explains what the ATO’s focus is for the 2020 program, along with other audit quality initiatives and targeted compliance programs they are running. This is essential listening not only for SMSF auditors, but also for SMSF trustees, their tax agents and accountants. Guest: Kellie Grant, Director of the SMSF Approved Auditors’ Portfolio, ATO Host: Claire Grayston, Policy Adviser - Audit and Assurance, CPA Australia

This week’s episode of the CPA Australia Podcast is a discussion of the preliminary findings from the CPA Australia funded research conducted by University of Melbourne into market-readiness in implementing the new accounting standard AASB 16/IFRS 16 Leases. Listeners may obtain a better understanding of how well the market is adapting to the new accounting standard on leases, some of the challenges associated with its implementation and how these challenges may be overcome. Guest: Professor Michael Davern of the University of Melbourne and Host: Ram Subramanian, Policy Advisor – Reporting at CPA Australia.

Do you have gaps in your Excel knowledge? Have you missed an INTHEBLACK tutorial in the past 10 years? In this week’s CPA Australia podcast, INTHEBLACK’s Excel expert Neal Blackwood CPA revisits Microsoft Excel’s new functions and features that have come out over the last decade. Learn about the ribbon interface, the customisable quick access toolbar, XLSX and XLSM file types, and more. Listen now.

Strategic leadership – what is it and can you learn it? CPA Australia’s ongoing Career Skills Revisited series takes a look back at popular episodes offering useful tips on improving your skills in the workplace. This week: Danette Fenton-Menzies, director of learning at Magical Learning talks about what defines strategic leadership, why it’s so important and the tools you need in terms of support. Listen now.

This brand-new series looks at the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses today. In this week’s episode we hear from Brenton Ellis CPA, Director of Melbourne-based accounting firm The Gild Group. The Gild Group specialises in key industries such as music and entertainment, and has offices in Melbourne and Manila. Ellis shares some of the insights he’s gleaned from changing careers and launching his own firm. Listen to his story.

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has developed a unique report on measures of audit quality in addition to its audit inspection findings. ASIC’s Doug Niven sits down with CPA Australia and explains the measures ASIC has identified and how he expects them to stimulate discussion and evolve over time as data becomes available.

In our ongoing career skills revisited podcast series where we feature an interesting career-based episode you may have missed: Clare Mann, Managing Director of Communicate31, and Tao de Haas, Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Social Ecologist and Executive Coach, discuss team building, mentoring and coaching in the workplace.

In the first full length CPA Australia Podcast for 2020, hear from IASB Board member Ann Tarca where she and Ram Subramanian, Policy Adviser – Reporting at CPA Australia where they discuss the current and also future developments in IFRS.

In this first mini episode of the CPA Australia Podcast for 2020, Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA discusses Data Validation. Excel has a built-in Data Validation feature that you can use to limit and control entries that go into certain cells. Hear all about how and why to use this feature in this mini-episode.

ASIC’s audit inspection report found an increase in negative findings and so is commencing new initiatives aimed at improving audit quality. Doug Niven, Senior Executive leader for Financial Reporting and Audit at ASIC, explains to Claire Grayston from CPA Australia the basis of those findings and what ASIC’s new key initiatives involve. Doug also explains why the report now provides greater transparency by including individual results for the “Big 4” firms.

As Fintech plays a significant role in the future of the banking and finance sector, we go behind the scenes in this CPA Australia Podcast episode to speak to two CPAs about what it is like to work for two of the most successful Fintech brands in Australia respectively.

How much influence can directors and audit committees have over the quality of the external audit? Hear how directors can get the most out of their company’s audit from Jacco Moison at the NZ Financial Markets Authority, as he speaks with Claire Grayston from CPA Australia. The FMA has updated Audit Quality – A Director’s Guide which explains the director’s role in influencing audit quality, focussing on FMC reporting entities.

In this podcast episode, Peter Johnson FCPA discusses why he chose to specialise in self-managed super funds (SMSF), what makes them so popular and where he sees the future of accounting heading.

In this podcast episode, Paul Ho FCPA provides an insight into China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA), including the impact of blockchain. Paul discusses his role in the project and how his skills and knowledge as a CPA have helped him get to where he is today.

In this podcast episode, Jacquetta Griggs FCPA discusses the importance of professional development in helping the accounting industry stay ahead of the curve, including how her skills and knowledge as a CPA have helped her get to where she is today.

Following release of the FMA’s Audit Quality Monitoring Report, Jacco Moison highlights the FMA’s key findings in six focus areas as well as auditor independence and the level of non-assurance services being provided to audit clients. The FMA compare the audit quality monitoring findings with their survey of investors on perceptions of audit quality and reflect on the inquiries on audit underway on other jurisdictions.

Looking back at our career focused podcasts, we revisit this CPA Australia Podcast that teaches you about how to approach problems as new opportunities.  Strong problem-solving skills can make a huge difference to your career and the organisation you work for. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover different ways and models to approach a problem in your organisation, innovative ways to solve problems, such as avoiding group-think, and how to communicate your solution to get buy-in from senior management. This podcast episode features Phil Bickerdike, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand at LUMA Institute, and Bill Jarrard, Co-Founder and Innovation Facilitator at Mindwerx International. Bill and Phil are in conversation with Jayanthi Iswaran, Deputy Chair of the Women CPA Committee.

The Public Sector FM model provide relevant insights for finance teams within the public sector. It highlights the financial maturity and benchmark against international best practice. It is particularly aligned to the strategy of “Provide relevant learning and development content, resources and tools” and in this week's CPA Australia Podcast we will be speaking with Dan Worsley, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) about this and more. 

On this week’s CPA Australia Podcast hear all about the newly released Regulatory Burden Report and the impact of complex regulatory frameworks. Join host Keddie Waller, Head of Public Practice CPA and guest Stephen Jones CPA as they discuss 5 key recommendations that have come from the research and key insights on how they will impact you.

David Murray AO FCPA, chairman of financial services company AMP, returns to CPA Australia after a three-year absence. In this exclusive podcast, he sits down with CPA Australia’s president and chairman Peter Wilson to talk about the challenges leaders face during major periods of transformation, corporate governance, the state of financial advice and what CPA Australia should focus on in the near future.

On this week’s CPA Australia Podcast hear all about how to lead with purpose and how this will inspire and motivate yourself and your team. Join host Michelle Walz CPA with guest Shane Michael Hatton who is an author, speaker and leadership expert.

Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA continues his Excel for Accountants series with a episode of Macros. Macros are a way of automating tasks you may have to do repeatedly, by recording a macro to automate them. Neale will explain all about this and how you can use them in your day to day Excel use. 

The healthcare industry has always been a challenging sector with rules, regulations, guidelines and a complex financial environment. In this podcast episode we will uncover; What are the five top challenges for your healthcare service? How do you approach these challenges and is there pressure to move away from the competition and towards a collaborative and co-operative partnership? What role does the department play, especially in the choice of Public versus Private? How can the finance professionals in the industry prepare for the ageing population and the limited resources? Host: Gloria Sleaby FCPA, Non-Executive Director, DPV Health, Advisory Committees MHCC & Eastern Health, MAICD, MIML, AGIA Guests: Louise O'Connor, Executive Director, Epworth Eastern - Epworth HealthCare, Lisa Shaw-Stuart, Program Director Mental Health, Eastern Health and Jenny Zahara CPA, Chief Finance Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria

Lack of professional skepticism in audits has been a recurring theme in ASIC’s audit inspection findings along with other regulators globally, however responding to these concerns can be challenging for audit firms. Recent research by Monash Business School, funded by CPA Australia’s GRPP grants program, helps to understand the drivers of auditors’ professional scepticism. In this podcast the research findings from several studies are explained along with practical steps which can be taken within your audit practice to increase skepticism in the audit team and thereby improve audit quality. Guests: Professor Robyn Moroney and Dr Soon-Yeow Phang both from Monash Business School.  Host: Claire Grayston, Policy Adviser Audit and Assurance - CPA Australia

A greater understanding of issues and developments in the current Australian housing market. Is the future bright for the Australian housing market or will Australia's low wage growth effect the buyer and seller plus what implications may this have for the financial sector? Join the discussion with host Bobby Papadopoulos, SME Committee and guest William Young, Executive Director, China Orient Summit Capital.

In this week’s podcast we look at the impact of the #MeToo movement in the workplace with guest speakers Dr. Karen Morley, Prue Gilbert and Apsara Sabaratnem. Hosted by Anna Tantau, Deputy Chair, Victorian Women’s CPA Committee.

On the latest CPA Australia Podcast hear all about work-life balance. This episode will consider the current academic research and results on work-life balance issues and how the conducted research in this area can help CPA members to manage their work life balance.

On this week’s CPA Australia Podcast listen to a discussion on some of the issues that may need to be considered by not for profits when preparing financial reports for 30 June 2019 year-ends with Peter Shields, Audit Principal and Not for profit specialist at Saward Dawson.

As part of our career skills revisited CPA Australia Podcast series, learn how to future proof your career. Hear about why hard skills are not enough to drive your career forward and why mastering your human skills will define your success with guest Sarah Godfrey, Psychologist and Director of Life Works When.

Combatting modern slavery and wider human rights are playing an increasingly significant role in governance practices and have culminated in Australia with the passing in 2019 of the Modern Slavery Act 2018. Based on CPA Australia funded research, the podcast will examine motivations for development of the Act and explore the efficacy of a regime based largely on voluntary disclosure. Host: John Purcell - Policy adviser ESG at CPA Australia and Guest: Dr Jolyon Ford - ANU College of Law

The World Economic Forum has identified Emotional Intelligence as one of the top 10 required skills in the workplace by 2020. As part of the Not for Profit Podcast series, join Mel Yates FCPA, Director of Reporting, Red Tape Reduction and Corporate Services at the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission hosting David Smith exploring the topic of Emotional Intelligence for Not for Profit Leaders.

This is Part 2 of the previous episode where we will continue our discussion on how data analytics, AI and automation being integrated into external audit with Professor Miklos Vasarhelyi and Claire Grayston.

Listen to Part 1 on how data analytics, artificial intelligence and automation are being integrated into external audit. Featuring guest Professor Miklos Vasarhelyi and Policy Adviser of Audit and Assurance Claire Grayston at CPA Australia.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is software that mimics human action. Should we be worried about this taking over the finance and accounting profession? Listen to this podcast episode with guest Mohit Sharma from Mindfields Global with host Gloria Sleaby who will discuss RPA in the workplace and if we should be embracing or fearful about the robots taking our job.

Join Neale Blackwood CPA who is INTHEBLACK's Excel expert on this mini episode of the CPA Australia Podcast where Neale will discuss the topic of Format as Table and how this will help you the next time you use Microsoft Excel. 

On this mini episode of the CPA Australia Podcast, join Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA on why accountants should be using Flash Fill. Find out why Flash fill is important to know and when you should use it. 

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has proposed revised standards on quality management for firms (ISQM 1) and audit engagements (ISA 220), and a new standard for engagement quality reviews (ISQM 2). These standards reflect a shift from prescribed policies and procedures to a risk-based approach to achieving quality objectives. Hear from Len Jui, IAASB member, about the proposals and Jessie Wong, KPMG partner, about the implementation challenges.

In this podcast episode, junior staff right through to business owners can learn how working remotely will help retain talent and increase the productivity of a team or organisation.

There's growing momentum of interest in climate change, how our economy adjusts to these emerging risks, and what the role is particularly of investment behaviour, corporate behaviour, and more particularly corporate disclosure in dealing with these emerging forms of risk. Join  John Purcell, Policy Adviser ESG at CPA Australia with Kris Peach, Chair at AASB and Prof. Roger Simnett, Chair at AUASB to discuss climate-related risks disclosures.

Join Jan McCallum, INTHEBLACK editor and Paul Drum, CPA Australia head of external affairs on this special episode of the CPA Australia Podcast where they will provide analysis and discussion on what the election results mean for CPA members and their clients.

Join Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA on why all spreadsheet users should be aware of and using the data ribbon in Microsoft Excel.With talk of big data and data analytics it's important to focus on the usage of the data ribbon and in this episode follow Neale's steps in exploring all the features that is contained within the ribbon.

Join Ram Subramanian, Policy Advisor for Reporting at CPA Australia with Melville Yates, Director of Reporting, Red Tape Reduction and ACNC Corporate Services who will discuss about updates for charities and not for profits.There are several current developments and other forthcoming changes that will have an impact on the operations of many charities around Australia in the near future, and it probably will have an impact on other not-for-profits as well who may or may not also be registered charities.  Melville will signpost some of these changes and discuss their implications and provide some insight into what the ACNC is doing in providing assistance to charities to comply with these new requirements.

How are your decision making skills at work? The 'career skills revisited' series continues by listening back to Tiffany Quinlan speaking about the process of decision making and how you can improve this skill not only at work but at home too. Originally released 27th April 2018 and recorded in front of a live audience at CPA Congress.

We are looking back at past CPA Australia Podcast episodes that features skills to learn and improve on in your career. This week we are looking at Microsoft Excel. Excel is an essential tool for a CPA member to know and Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA will explain the key shortcuts you need to know in order to help you in your workplace. Originally released 9th February 2018.

On this week’s podcast, CPA Australia's head of external affairs Paul Drum discusses key elements of the budget with INTHEBLACK content editor Jan McCallum, and how the federal budget will affect everyone in the accounting and finance industry.

Professor Allan Fels AO discusses the future of mental health and the ongoing mental health challenges Australia and the rest of the world face. Fels is in conversation with Gloria Sleaby FCPA, Director Sleaby Health & Rochess Enterprises P/L.

In today’s dynamic global business environment, it is no longer enough for finance professionals to just deliver timely and accurate financial reports to their business. We need to be analytics-driven and strategically-minded, and align the right resources, processes and technologies to leverage financial data to develop insights, that will enable better decision making. This week's podcast episode features Fahim Khondaker, Principle Advisor, Data Analytics and Insights at BDO Australia who will discuss modernising your data analytics strategy to drive business results.

Do you ever feel like there’s not enough hours in the day for your work? First in our CPA Australia podcast career skills re-release series, join Jacquetta Giggs and psychologist Catherine Twiss where they will discuss how to recognise stress and avoid burnout at your work place. Find out how important it is to set boundaries at work and home and what support you need to make it possible. Hear tips and tolls of how to stop stress and burnout while also learning some techniques to reduce stress while sitting at your desk. Original release date: 28th September 2017 (Episode 26).

The financial modelling profession is the art of elegant solving of commercial problems with high-quality, user-friendly tools. Taking a technology agnostic approach to financial modelling not only opens up the core benefits that come with new cloud-based platforms, or database engines, but encourages organisations to think differently about the problem and create data, visualisation and calculation solutions in a more agile and sustainable manner. Join Ian Bennett, partner from PWC to discuss new financial modelling technologies and how they create opportunities.

Doug Niven, Senior Executive Leader at ASIC provides insights into ASIC’s focus areas for companies with December 2018 period-ends, and also discusses some findings from ASIC’s most recent financial reporting surveillance program.

In this weeks’ podcast episode, we are joined by Danette Fenton-Menzies, Director of Learning at Magical Learning. She will discuss topics such as what is strategic leadership, how does strategic finance support strategic leadership, what skills do we need to develop and to value add from a strategic perspective and what tools do we need to support strategic finance and the future of developing it.

The ATO have been making record referrals of SMSF auditors to ASIC, which they expect will continue to rise. In this podcast Kellie Grant, Director of the SMSF Approved Auditors Portfolio at the ATO, explains to Claire Grayston, CPA Australia’s policy adviser on audit and assurance, what the ATO are looking for in their reviews of SMSF auditors and shares the two new programs they are pursuing in 2018/19. Kellie sets out how the ATO are selecting auditors for review, what their expectations are of a compliant audit file, as well as the actions they take where breaches of the independence requirements or auditing standards are found. Kellie highlights what can be learnt from the latest case law and how the ATO can help SMSF auditors, including in identifying SMSF auditor number (SAN) misuse.

In this month’s Excel topic podcast episode, Neale Blackwood CPA will discuss Power Query and why accountants should be using it. Neale will cover topics that all Excel users should know relating to Power Query such as mapping tables, unpivot, merging, appending and budgeting.

Claire Grayston, Policy Adviser for Audit and Assurance at CPA Australia, and Doug Niven, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Senior Executive Leader, discuss the ASIC Audit Inspection Program Findings for 2017-2018 that were released on 24th January 2019. ASIC has reported improvements in the audits inspected for the 18 months to 20 June 2018, however the shortcomings observed in audits still fall into similar areas to previous periods. Therefore it is invaluable for firms, even if they have not been subject to an ASIC inspection, to learn from the areas identified for improvement by ASIC. ASIC highlights their key findings, successful audit quality initiatives firm’s have implemented, themes arising from the findings and focus areas for future inspections.  

In this podcast, Clare Mann, Managing Director of Communicate31, and Tao de Haas, Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Social Ecologist and Executive Coach, discuss team building, mentoring and coaching in the workplace.  Clare is a renowned Psychologist, best-selling author and Existential Coach. Her expertise in leadership, communications and psychology has led her to be one of the most sought after psychologists in Australia. She has published three books and contributed to six others, including a prescribed textbook on human resource management. Her inclusion in 50 Unsung Business Heroes (2015) positions her as a thought-leader and facilitator of change. She was also featured as one of the 25 Sydney-based entrepreneurs, start-ups and business owners in the inaugural edition of  the Nifnex Business and Lifestyle Magazine. Her latest book “Communicate – How to Say What Needs to be Said, When it Needs to be Said, In the Way it Needs to be Said” has international acclaim with the foreword written by US Presidential Advisor and Best Selling Author, Doug Wead. Her unique style of communication enables her to make complex issues simple and immediately applicable to everyday problems.  Tao de Haas is a Registered Clinical Psychotherapist, Social Ecologist, Executive Coach and published author and is the co-author of “Leadership is upside down”. For many years he has presented training programs specifically for accountants and accountancy firms, including KMPG, Ernst & Young and PWC. With well over 30 years’ experience, Tao’s great passion is to help enrich people’s lives, personally and professionally. He specialises in emotional intelligence, effective communication skills, conflict resolution and management, and leadership development. Tao is a highly regarded and inspirational international presenter and teacher and has been a lecturer with various educational institutions. He has appeared on many TV and radio programs, including the Sunrise program, the 7.30 Report and Australian Story.

The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) is the Victorian Government’s captive insurer - but they do so much more. VMIA provide risk management advice to help government departments prepare for and prevent harm, and to recover rapidly if harm occurs. In this podcast episode you’ll hear from Andrew Davies, General Manager, Service Delivery at VMIA, as he discusses how VMIA use their privileged position to understand the risks health services face and how to mitigate harm, using risk management as a strategic enabler. Andrew is in conversation with Georgina Switkowski, Associate Director at NAB Health.

In this podcast episode, Clare Mann, Managing Director of Communicate31, Mark Ault FCPA, Principal of Aults Accounting & Tax, and Caroline Karavias, Professional Standards Onboarding Manager at CPA Australia, discuss practical ways to manage your client base in a positive way, from rehabilitation to dismissal.

Following the release of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) New Zealand 2018 Audit Quality Monitoring Report, this podcast episode explores the key findings in the report for 2018 and the focus areas for 2019 quality reviews. Jacco Moison, Manager of Auditor Oversight at the FMA, discusses the trends the FMA is seeing in relation to audit quality and highlights that auditors need to address both the FMA’s findings and their own internal reviews through root cause analysis and action plans. The FMA’s findings raise matters which all auditors can consider in their own practice, including how they use management’s experts and audit accounting estimates. Jacco is in conversation with Claire Grayston, CPA Australia’s Policy Adviser on Audit and Assurance.

Are you across the latest functions in Excel? In this podcast episode, Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA takes you through the main functions that will assist accountants in their day to day work. Neale has more than 20 years' experience as an Excel expert, trainer and author.

Financial reporting has long been viewed as the main form of communication with investors. Emerging new technologies, new business models, and new industries have brought into question the relevance of accounting and financial reporting in their current form. In this podcast episode, Professor Feng Gu, Chair and Associate Professor, Accounting and Law, School of Management at the University of Buffalo, will provide an overview on why financial statements have lost their relevance and what must be done to restore the relevance and viability of accounting and financial reporting in a modern economy. He will share insights, gained from writing his recent book The End of Accounting and the Path Forward for Investors and Managers and his thoughts on the reaction to the book. Professor Gu is in conversation with Ram Subramanian, Policy Advisor in Reporting at CPA Australia.

What is an investment policy and how do you form one? In this podcast episode, you’ll hear from Victoria Lindores, Senior Advisor in the Investment Advisory Practice at Pitcher Partners, as she answers these questions and more. Victoria will cover the risk and return balance, what to consider when running an investment advice tender, and what a new director or manager at a not-for-profit should look for in an investment policy. Victoria is in conversation with Jason Bertalli, Director of Franchise and Business Services at BNR Partners.

Strong problem-solving skills can make a huge difference to your career and the organisation you work for. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover different ways and models to approach a problem in your organisation, innovative ways to solve problems, such as avoiding group-think, and how to communicate your solution to get buy-in from senior management. This podcast episode features Phil Bickerdike, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand at LUMA Institute, and Bill Jarrod, Co-Founder and Innovation Facilitator at Mindwerx International. Bill and Phil are in conversation with Jayanthi Iswaran, Deputy Chair of the Women CPA Committee.

As the CEO for technology solutions company Hotline IT, Michelle Joosse CPA is thriving in a technical, male-dominated industry. In this podcast episode, Michelle tells her story on how a career in finance prepared her to become a CEO, the mistakes made and lessons learnt, and her top tips for anyone stepping up from a finance role to become a CEO. Michelle is in conversation with Coralia Mielczarek ASA, Management Accountant at STREAT Ltd.

The proposed changes to the small business capital gains tax concession are now law. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear from Mark Morris CPA, Professor of Practice at La Trobe University, as he discusses the major outcomes arising under this law. He uses practical examples to explain the complexities of the new law, outlines the four conditions that must be met to make a claim and how there are enormous benefits to clients if applied correctly. Mark is in conversation with Gavan Ord, Manager – Business and Investment Policy, at CPA Australia.

Not-for-profit organisations approach the treatment of cash in different ways. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear Andrew Gillon, Senior Investment Advisor – Pitcher Partners Investment Services, discuss whether cash can be considered a short, medium or long-term asset or investment, whether it is a secure investment, and whether cash should be considered part of any strategic asset allocation for a not-for-profit organisation. Andrew is in conversation with Murray Wyatt FCPA, Group Chairman, Director – Morrows. This is the fourth podcast in a five-part series with Pitcher Partners on key issues in the not-for-profit sector.

This episode covers the three different types of grid lines and why turning off your grid lines might make your charts look better.

In this episode, Neale takes you through an example of how to use ‘Find In Excel’, showing that when you’re using this function you may need to perform a few different finds to find everything that matches your search.

This episode covers the useful applications of the F5 function key, such as following links, the special button, blanks, identify and select errors, and more.

This episode covers the double life of the F4 key, demonstrating its ability to save you time by repeating what you’ve last done and pasting, and editing a formula.

The future of the healthcare sector is changing. Innovation, the patient experience and data visualisation are only some of the factors contributing to how leaders need to be thinking about financial sustainability. In this podcast episode, Dr. Avi Ratnanesan, CEO of Energesse, will discuss how healthcare sector leaders can frame the ‘big picture’ in the context of changing trends, funding models, value-based care and the needs of the workforce. Avi is in conversation with Tom Burton, Walkley award winning journalist, and Publisher of The Mandarin.   

The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) is proposing to eliminate the ability to prepare special purpose financial statements (SPFS) for publicly lodged financial statements where compliance with Australian Accounting Standards is claimed.  In this podcast episode, you’ll hear from David Hardidge, Technical Director at the Queensland Audit Office, as he explores the ramifications of these proposals, and explores some options for the way forward. David is in conversation with Ram Subramanian, Policy Advisor in Reporting at CPA Australia.

This podcast episode explores some of the key issues in cybersecurity for the not-for-profit sector. You will hear from Krist Davood, Principal at Pitcher Partners, who has over 28 years’ experience in government and corporate project environments. Krist is in conversation with Drew Fenton CPA, an experienced director with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry.

Change has become the new normal at work, but are you really equipped to deal with it, or even make the most out of it for your career? In this podcast episode, you will hear from Suzanne Waldron, leadership and behavioural change expert, on why the future of leadership is about social intelligence as processes are increasingly automated. She discusses how to prepare for change in your organisation and how you can build a culture of trust with the people you work with, ultimately building your career. Suzanne is in conversation with Kimberly White, Content Producer at CPA Australia. Suzanne Waldron is speaking at this year’s CPA Congress.

In this podcast episode, Race Strauss FCPA, Executive Manager Finance – Qantas Group, will show you why the best finance teams go beyond the numbers to build valuable insights for their organisation. You will find practical advice on why you need to understand the business beyond the functional work of your team, why building relationships and trust is crucial, and why you need to have the courage to back yourself to become a top performer. This podcast episode was originally a presentation at CPA Congress 2016. Race Strauss FCPA is presenting at the World Congress of Accountants, taking place 5-8 November 2018 in Sydney. 

Welcome to the CPA Australia and Pitcher Partners podcast series for the Not-for-Profit sector. In this five-part series, we discuss some of the key issues for those working in the NFP space, covering a different topic each podcast. Listen to the second topic “The NFP CFO of the Future” featuring expert presenter Mark Harrison – Partner / Executive Director of Pitcher Partners, Melbourne who responsible for leading the Business Advisory and Assurance offering; and Mel Yates, FCPA - Director of Reporting, Red Tape Reduction and Corporate Services at the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

What do you need to add to your skill base for future success in your career? Tailored for accounting and finance professionals, this podcast episode will show you why hard skills are not enough to drive your career forward and why mastering your human skills will define your success. You’ll hear from CPA Congress speaker Sarah Godfrey, Psychologist and Director of Life Works When, in conversation with Kimberly White, Conference Producer at CPA Australia.

How do you drive change and innovation from within an organisation? In this podcast episode, Janett Egbar, Co-founder of the Centre for Intrapreneurship, takes you through a practical approach to innovating from within. She covers how innovation is really about identifying problems that need to be solved, covers the skills intrapreneurs need to start making a difference right away and how rather than being ‘blockers’, finance professionals should be brought into the conversation early to help innovation succeed. Janett is joined by Gavan Ord, Manager – Business and Investment Policy from CPA Australia.

In part five of our mini episode series on Excel tips for Accountants, Neale Blackwood CPA will discuss using cell comments in Microsoft Excel. Using cell comments are like 'Post-it notes' for cells and can come in very handy when you want to give your reader more information and context for the data it contains. (5 mins 8 sec)

In this podcast episode, Ian Raspin FCPA and Katerina Peiros TEP, discuss the distribution of deceased estates and the issues accountants should consider in estate planning. Katerina is the founder of Hartwell Legal and Ian is the Director of Estates and Trusts at BNR Partners. Katerina is an accredited Wills and Estates Specialist and runs a specialist practice in this area. Ian specialises in the taxation of deceased estates and trusts, providing estate taxation solutions and advice to legal practitioners, executors and listed trustee companies across Australia. They are both published authors in this space and Ian is the author of two books: CGT on a Deceased’s Residence – A Tax Minefield and Taxation of Deceased Estates for Estate Practitioners.

In this podcast series with Pitcher Partners, we discuss some of the key issues for those working in the NFP space, covering a different topic each podcast. In this episode, we discuss things to consider before joining a not for profit board including assessing risk, getting to know the other board members and what you are expected to bring to the role. Matthew Pringle, Partner at Pitcher Partners provides insights and words of wisdom for those looking to join the board of an NFP.

In this podcast, we hear from Prof. Michael Davern, one of the academics who was part of the team that undertook this important study. Prof. Davern talks about the story behind the study, the key findings and what it means for the future of financial reporting.

This week's episode was recorded in front of a live audience at CPA Congress and features Cameron Howell, head of group financial performance at Westpac talking about future financial performance management, and how to prepare for the unexpected. Cameron's experience led him to reflect on the changing nature of the skills required for future financial performance managers, and the increased value of finance professionals and helping companies to chart their future.

There are a number of current developments and other forthcoming changes that will have an impact on the operations of many charities around Australia in the near future. In this podcast episode, hear Melville Yates, Director for Reporting and Red Tape Reduction at the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission speak with Ram Subramanian, Policy Advisor in Reporting at CPA Australia, on the latest regulatory developments for charities.

The dynamics are constantly shifting for women at work. Speaking up, getting recognised, time off for family and attaining leadership roles are just some of the challenges women can face. How do we meet these challenges in the workplace when there are so many ways to approach gender equity? The answer: Take action and share stories, however big or small. In this podcast episode, hear Suzi Finkelstein, Program Director, Women & Leadership Australia, discuss these topics and more as she advocates for 100 Days for Change, an initiative that aims to catalyse people into making achievable, practical changes to improve gender equity at work. Suzi is in conversation with Jillian Bowen, General Manager of Content and Social Media at CPA Australia.

Like many sectors, health care is going through an enormous shift. New technologies, the expectations of patients across generations, and how to engage a diverse workforce, are just some of the challenges. In this podcast episode, hear Martin Bowles, National Chief Executive Officer of Calvary Health Care Australia speak with Dr. Avi Ratnanesan, CEO of Energesse, on how he is tackling the big issues by keeping things simple. Not only for those working within health care, this episode will give any leader tips on building their organisation and driving their career.

How do you ask your manager if you can work from home? Do you trust your employees or team to be working when they’re not in the office? In this podcast episode, junior staff right through to business owners can learn how working remotely will help retain talent and increase the productivity of a team or organisation. You’ll also find tips on how to speak to your manager about working flexibly, and some of the barriers to implementing flexible work practices. Join Phu Nguyen, Chief Finance Officer, City of Melbourne, and Corey Hale, Director Corporate Services from Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group for their thoughts on this topic. Facilitated by Mel Yates, Director, Reporting and Red Tape Reduction, ACNC Corporate Services at Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. 

With every new version of Excel, Microsoft adds more and more features and functions. Depending on your version, you could be sitting on some hidden gems. In this podcast episode, Excel expert and Principal of A4 Accounting Neale Blackwood CPA, discusses what you might have missed in Excel over the past 10 years, version by version. Crucial for anyone who uses Excel, this information will help you work faster, look professional, impress your boss and grow your career.

Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan has stated that the over-claiming of work-related expenses is estimated at $2.5 billion. In this podcast episode, Robert McDowall, partner at Arabon, Trisha Aventurado, Manager Public Practice Support Service at CPA Australia and Gavan Ord, Manager – Business and Investment Policy at CPA Australia, discuss what the ATO is doing about it, whether accountants should be auditing everything, and the ATO’s three golden rules for accountants and self-preparers when putting together work-related expenses.   

Have you ever wondered why some people are so successful when others are not? In this podcast, Gary Pittard, author of Why Winners Win, talks about what it takes to be successful at work, in business, in an accounting practice, and in every day life. He identifies four fatal flaws behind poor performance, how to become a winner, and the habits you need to put in place everyday to achieve success.

As the saying goes: If you’re in business, you’re in the business of relationships. So, when you’re hiring staff, how do you make sure your potential new talent feels comfortable in the interview? And how do you meet their expectations of the job role, and then retain the talent you’ve managed to find? Dr Jenny Brockis answers these questions and more with an in-depth look into brain science and the workplace. This presentation will show you how to hire for both aptitude and attitude, be aware of the brain’s role in subconscious bias, and how it’s often the simple things that will help you retain your top performers.

In this episode, David and Kim Harland discuss the changes they are noting in the family business sector and what proactive family businesses (and their advisers) are doing to benefit from those changes. Family businesses are the oldest and most frequent business ownership model in the world. By nature they have to be both nimble and dynamic to survive. David Harland FCPA (FPS) is the Executive Chairman of FINH and is a leader in the family business advisory field. He provides family business clients with expert advice on such challenges as succession and transition planning, family governance strategies, raising liquidity and sourcing capital. Kim Harland is the Managing Director of Insights, provider of customised online resources to family business.  Insights team understand that specialised tools and information play a vital role in managing family businesses risks and improving the longevity, growth and most importantly, the sustainability of each and every family business.

In this episode of the CPA Australia Podcast, INTHEBLACK editor Jan McCallum and CPA Australia Head of Policy Paul Drum FCPA discuss the 2018 Federal Budget in finer detail. Jan and Paul discuss the winners, the losers and also missed opportunities of the third Turnbull/Morrison Budget.

In today's episode of the CPA Australia Podcast, Jillian Bowen speaks with Justin Lurie who is a congressional candidate and also experienced in mergers, acquisitions, strategy consulting and commodity markets. Justin will discuss the importance of strategy, what a strategic principle is and also how to implement strategy step by step.

In part four of our mini episode series, Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA will discuss using multiple windows in Microsoft Excel. Neale will explain how this multi-tasking tip of using windows will not only save you time but also make your everyday accounting tasks so much easier to do in Excel. (6 mins 27 sec)

Are you feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Wondering how to forge on at work? Learn how to push past fear and paralysis to make up your mind and move past indecision. Leadership facilitator, motivational speaker and coach on emotional intelligence and career transition, Tiffany Quinlan, encourages us to embrace fear head on, to challenge ourselves and change our mindset to become better decision makers. Hear techniques that will help you decide to be more decisive and to know what it means to be prepared to live with the consequences of your decisions.

In part three of our mini episode series, Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA will explain one of the most important shortcuts you can use: the Ctrl key. Listen to hear how you can use the Ctrl key on the keyboard to make your work in Excel so much easier and quicker. (6 mins 50 sec)

In this episode, Jason Cunningham CPA explains the key drivers of business value and how to develop an exit strategy to deliver your desired value. This episode is the final episode of a seven part podcast series about the seven key ingredients of business success.

Part two of our mini episode series, Excel expert Neale Blackwood CPA will discuss right clicking and why accountants should use this shortcut to make the most out of Microsoft Excel. Right clicking will allow you to access the most commonly done actions in Excel efficiently. (5 mins 53 sec)

Explore the steps to stronger self-belief with behaviour specialist, Suzanne Waldron, as she presents the impact of genuine leadership to a live audience at CPA Congress. Suzanne explains the importance of taking time for ourselves and focusing on our strengths are crucial in order to lead others.

Every Tuesday over the next month CPA Australia Podcast will present a mini podcast episode from Excel Expert Neale Blackwood CPA, who has more than 20 years’ experience using and writing about Excel for accountants. Neale will explain why double clicking is a must-know shortcut for accountants using Microsoft Excel. (6 mins 14 sec)  

A discussion with Siva about the AASB Interpretation published last year that could have an impact on tax accounting for some corporates.  The discussion will focus on the accounting and disclosures for certain tax treatments that may arise from applying AASB Interpretation 23, and what entities will have to do in preparation to comply with these requirements.  The discussion will also consider some wider implications including how these requirements might impact on the regulatory approach of taxation authorities including the Australian Taxation Office.

Not many people openly talk about the day they plan to sack themselves.  In this episode, Jason Cunningham CPA explains why it’s important to create a self-sufficient business. Jason’s shares his experience with prioritising the team over the importance of the individual and how that can deliver a business that will continue to grow, even if he decides to give himself his own marching orders. This episode is part six of a seven part podcast series about the seven key ingredients of business success, featuring Jason Cunningham CPA. 

Do you want a little more out of life? Searching for that promotion at work? Really want to save money? Do you feel that something is holding you back? We talk to Anthony Bonnici about mental barriers or ‘Brain Blinkers’ that are like road blocks in our brain. They prevent us from achieving our best, from exploring our world, from connecting with others. They can reinforce old unhelpful rituals and help explain why people get stuck in a rut. They explain why we can sometimes struggle with change. By taking a closer look at our own beliefs around change, we can substantially affect our response to change and thus the outcome of change.

The UnderstandingSuper team has been developing different ways to improve financial literacy in the field of superannuation. They’ve created a series of simple to understand videos and interactive activities, housed within a free app and website, that aims to help people better understand super. Meet the team behind the UnderstandingSuper app, hear about their passion to make super more accessible and why CPA Australia is proud to support them.

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform the way we work. In this podcast, we explore the implications of machine learning on the future of the accounting profession. This podcast explores why we should not fear Artificial Intelligence and instead embrace the fantastic future ahead, should we choose to seize it.

In this podcast, Steve Hui CPA, Founder and Chief Executive of iFLYflat discusses his transition from a corporate accounting career to entrepreneurship. Steve (aka the points whisperer) explains how he developed an industry first travel solution, helping companies to collect more reward points and save up to $250,000 on their business travel.

Thea and Adrian discuss current corporate insolvency surveillance priorities and outline the implications of recent and foreshadowed insolvency law reform. Adrian reflects on his tenure as Senior Executive Team Leader, and both he and Thea provide valuable insight into the economic and market significance of effective insolvency law administration.  Guests: Thea Eszenyi (Senior Executive ASIC Insolvency Practitioner Team) and Adrian Brown (Senior Executive ASIC Phoenix Taskforce)

In this podcast, Clare Mann, Managing Director of Communicate31, discusses the role of business owners in mitigating mental health risks in the workplace and the characteristics of a workplace that is mentally healthy.  

Excel is a valuable tool in the professional world and a must-have for accountants. Learning your way around Excel keyboard shortcuts is a great way to master the platform and a neat way to improve productivity. We chat to Excel Expert Neale Blackwood CPA, who has more than 20 years’ experience using and writing about Excel for accountants

Which comes first: the tactics or the outcome? In this podcast, Jason Cunningham CPA explains why it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve before you develop the necessary tactics, and explains how a focus on people and process will help you achieve that goal. This episode is part five of a seven part podcast series about the seven key ingredients of business success, featuring Jason Cunningham CPA. For links to previous episodes, scroll down to the further resources section.

This episode examines a series of ARC Linkage Grant funded projects which investigated the early evolution of integrated report including its relationship with changing expectations of corporate behaviour and reporting, along with exploring challenges and opportunities posed for audit and assurance.

This podcast discusses Michael Samu’s financial planning journey hints and tips for those who are starting as well as those in a renewal phase of business. Hear out how Michael continually adds value to his clients via his one stop shop and how he engages with millennials’ to position his firm for the future.

A discussion with Douglas Niven, Senior Executive Leader at ASIC about the recently released financial reporting focus areas.  The discussion will also cover ASIC’s findings from its financial report surveillance program.

Money, money, money, money. Most businesses are driven by numbers. But according to Jason Cunningham CPA the numbers we focus on are often the wrong ones. In the podcast, Jason explains why just focusing on historical data limits your strategy to outcomes but are not the key drives of success. And he outlines exactly what you should be looking at, and how, to keep your business on the money. This episode is part four of a seven part podcast series about the seven key ingredients of business success, featuring Jason Cunningham CPA. For links to previous episodes, scroll down to the further resources section.

If the key intangible resources of a business such as its powerful brand are not legally protected, they may be freely used by others without limitation. IP Australia discusses trademarks, the most common IP right that a small business should consider as it distinguishes your client’s goods and services from those of their competitors.

In today's episode, we're exploring the idea that leadership is broken at all levels, and how can this be fixed? Joining me is Sebastian Salicru, the author of Leadership Results. Sebastian is a thought leader who regularly presents at national and international conferences and industry events on the latest developments on leadership. He's the founder and principal consultant at PTS Consultants and works with executives and organisations around the world to help them deliver exceptional results.

Raising taxes can be a death sentence for any government. How, then, do governments adapt and thrive in an environment of economic scarcity – when they’re required to do more for the community with less revenue? The challenge of any modern government is how to raise additional revenue without passing the burden to taxpayers. But, as governments get smaller, budgets get tighter – could good, old fashioned accounting be the answer? Join the City of Melbourne CFO Phu Nguyen and Municipal Association of Victoria CEO Rob Spence as they discuss how finance professionals can add value to this age-old conundrum.

The Financial Markets Authority’s Audit Quality Monitoring Report for 2016-2017 identifies areas for improvement in audits by NZ’s licenced auditors. Jacco Moison, Manager of Auditor Oversight at the FMA, discusses the key findings with Claire Grayston at CPA Australia and identifies actions auditors can take to improve audit quality. Jacco also explains what others, including directors and audit committees, can do to support audit quality.

Social enterprises will be explained with guest David Shires, Director, Capacity International. Also discussed will be how accountants skills to can assist them to progress and develop.  Importantly the discussion will cover how working with Social Enterprises can offer significant benefits to members such as obtaining new clients, to give back for social good and to engage with social entrepreneurs in the latter stages of a career.

A discussion with Jason Cassas and Peter Kidd (Grant Thornton Australia) about the legislation and recently issued guidance by the ATO that requires certain taxpaying entities to lodge General Purpose Financial Statements with the ATO.  The discussion will focus on the legislative requirements, the underlying reasons for the legislation and how the ATO sees the legislation being applied in practice, as set out in the ATO guidance. 

Part three of a seven part podcast series with Jason Cunningham CPA about the seven key ingredients of business success which is based on Jason’s book Have Your Cake and Sell It Too. Our latest podcast explores the importance of customers and how you can best serve your clients. It’s looking at your business through the eyes of your customer and understanding that you can’t be all things to all people. Jason explains why you must put your customers first and the difference between marketing and selling. The bigger picture says get as many people through the door as possible - this episode will help you get the customer mix right.

Medium Charities are able to obtain a review instead of an audit and small charities are not obliged to have either. Nevertheless, many of those charities continue to obtain an audit, even though that is more onerous than a review and is required to be conducted by a Registered Company Auditor. Mel Yates at the ACNC discusses with CPA Australia whether charities should be encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for red tape reduction and what impediments to the conduct of reviews need to be overcome.  Or does an alternative solution need to be explored? The ACNC was created in 2012 by the ACNC Act and has now been in operation nearly 5 years. Read the inaugural commissioner’s, Susan Pascoe, reflection on those first 5 years in ACNC five years on: Reflections of the Inaugural Commissioner, Susan Pascoe AM in which she notes that, under the Charities Act, the ACNC Act is required to be reviewed after five years in operation. That review is expected to be announced in 2017 and stakeholder input sought.

Is your business ready for the next global economic disruption? Women offer a lucrative $28 trillion dollar market, yet they’re often underserved, neglected or ignore, despite the fact they drive the majority of our purchases. In this episode, gender intelligence pioneer Bec Brideson reveals how you can tap into the modern female market and reap the financial benefits before your competitors do.

A discussion with Melville Yates, the director or reporting and red tape reduction at the ACNC about the recently issued 2017 Annual Information Statement.  The podcast provides an overview of the information that is requested through the revised AIS, what the changes are and what the ACNC’s expectations are when charities complete and submit the AIS.

Productive change can be exciting and challenging, helping develop stronger more cohesive teams. Unproductive change can generate fear and mistrust, resulting in disrupted teams. In this podcast, accomplished speaker, trainer and facilitator Nigel Sutton explores the qualities, skills and tools needed to lead productive change, with a focus on high performance and multi-generational teams and the effect change has on individuals, teams and organisations.

In partnership with CoreLogic, a team of CPA Australia members took part in a two-day workshop at CPA Congress Melbourne to create a strategy for young Australians to overcome housing affordability challenges. These ambitious, young thought leaders, took counsel from speakers, specialists and CPA Australia members within a transparent structure at the exhibition area. The findings will be published in an eBook which will be available to all CPA Australia members and delegates following the event.

In this podcast, master of interaction and creativity Cyriel Kortleven explains how we can challenge ‘stuck thinking’ to make room for new ideas, new products and services, more revenue and less red tape. Cyriel’s survival kit will equip you to get the right mindset for change, dare you to go for your ‘GiGa’ dream and suspend your judgement and teach you a simple method to triple the number of ideas you have.

This podcast looks at ways to gain traction with your financial analysis and communications to deliver compelling commercial proposals and positive business outcomes. Following on from a popular keynote at CPA Congress in Brisbane and Melbourne, Brendan Hargreaves CPA, Divisional General Manager at Cleanaway, teaches us ways to transform our financial presentations and communications to make them more accessible and impactful to all stakeholders in an attempt to help you do less, but influence more.

Do start-ups innovate better than corporates? Yes - they do! Why do so few corporates have a strategy for external innovation to harness disruption? What brands are doing this well around the world? What's the solution and how can we create a process so that both sides achieve amazing commercial outcomes? Karen dares to show you how.

To gain a competitive career edge, it’s important to make learning an ongoing part of your professional development. Conferences are short and practical opportunities to learn new information and make valuable contacts. Rob Thomason, Executive General Manager Education at CPA Australia shares his insights on developing a strategy to maximise your investment and experience.

Part two of a seven part podcast series with Jason Cunningham CPA about the seven key ingredients of business success which is based on Jason’s book Have Your Cake and Sell It Too. Today’s topic explores the importance of understanding your business, including the development of a mission statement and gaining clarity into exactly WHY you are in business.

How to have a healthy work life balance – understanding work, family and other commitments and how to get the right balance at different stages of your life.  How important is it to establish boundaries (at work and at home) and what sort of support do we need to make it possible?

With the occurrence of financial abuse only increasing, it is vital to ensure that your practice is not only aware of potential instances of abuse but also is prepared to deal with them. This podcast will highlight the importance of increasing your understanding of this issue and offer some simple tips on how to implement policies within your practice. Host: Richard Blakeman FCPA, Retired, Victorian Divisional Councillor - CPA Australia Guest: Stephen Jones FCPA, Partner, ATM Consultants Pty Ltd Guest: Anna Tantau CPA, Senior Manager, SEIVA Business

In this podcast representatives from both the AFL Players Association and Hall and Wilcox Lawyers talk to CPA Australia’s Head of Policy about the ATO’s draft public consultative guideline on the tax treatment of payments for use and exploitation of a professional sportsperson's public fame or image. The draft public consultative guideline pragmatically offers a safe harbour for certain sportspeople, and if fully adopted it will help cut a swathe through tax red tape for both the players and ATO.

Today's CPA Australia Podcast will explore ethical dilemmas and the implications of directors' duties with Dr John Purcell FCPA, Policy Adviser ESG at CPA Australia. His guest today is Niamh Brennan, Michael MacCormac Professor of Management at the University College of Dublin.

Part 1 of a 7 part podcast series with Jason Cunningham, CPA about The 7 Key Ingredients of Business Success which is based on Jason’s book Have Your Cake and Sell it too. Today’s topic will explore how strategy plays a part in how to create a successful business including discussing what is strategy and how to create a strategic plan. 

A discussion with Melville Yates, the director for reporting and red tape reduction at the ACNC about the recent achievements of the ACNC in red tape reduction.  The discussion considers recent changes to laws and regulations in some States and Territories that will result in more streamlined compliance requirements for charities and other NFPs.  We also consider the future plans of the ACNC as it continues to work towards fulfilling its objective of reducing red tape for charities.

Craig Blair, who is responsible for oversight of SMSF Auditors at the ATO, talks to Claire Grayston at CPA Australia about the ATO’s SMSF auditor compliance program findings for the 2016-2017 year. Craig discusses the outcomes from the ATO’s focus on low cost auditors and sole practitioners who provide both tax advice or accounting services to SMSFs as well as the audit. He also identifies the ATO’s focusses for 2017/2018, how the ATO is identifying high risk auditors and highlights ways in which the ATO are seeking to work co-operatively with SMSF trustees and their auditors. The recent Super changes present new risks for SMSF auditors, including low cost SMSF audits that are seen as high risk by the ATO and may trigger an inspection. Craig explains what auditors need to look out for in their 30 June 2017 year end audits.  Host: Claire Grayston, Policy Adviser - Audit & Assurance, CPA Australia Guest: Craig Blair, Director - Superannuation, ATO  

In this episode we hear from motivational speaker, author and mind coach, Anthony Bonnici, who helps us take the complexity and fear out of influence. Dale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends & Influence People in 1936. A lot has changed in the 80 years since that book was written, but people still need to influence others. We need to sell things. We need to persuade people. We need to get our point across. Anthony was sick of people thinking that influence skills were a “soft” skill. Tired of people associating some out of date, “used car salesman” association of influence and persuasion as tacky or subversive. Frustrated by witnessing really intelligent people fall flat on their face when they attempted to get their point across. This episode will provide insights, knowledge and skills to influence broadly, authentically and purposefully.

A great illustration for rational arguments can be found in the dying minutes of a World Cup soccer final – imagine you’re selected to kick for goal in a penalty shootout to decide the game. Where do you aim? Left? Right? Or the centre? Before you decide let’s look at the facts. Statistical data tell us that if you kick the ball to the left, the goalie will jump to his right, thus blocking your shot, 57 per cent of the time. If you kick the ball to the right, the goalie will be there 41 per cent of the time. But, if you choose to kick it to the centre, the same stats show that the goalie will only be there 2 per cent of the time. So where do you kick the ball? The centre, where the odds are clearly in you favour? Most don’t, with only 17 per cent of penalty goals kicked to the centre. In business we have to choose where to kick the ball. But, even when we’re armed with the facts we don’t always follow rational arguments. Presenter: Bri Williams CPA, Principal Consultant, People Patterns Recorded at CPA Australia Congress on Monday 29 September, 2014 in Sydney, NSW.

Chair of the Black Economy Taskforce, Michael Andrew, talks with CPA Australia following the release of the taskforce’s interim report which is now out for comment.  The black economy refers to people who operate entirely outside the tax and regulatory system or who are known to the authorities but do not correctly report their tax obligations.  Participation in the black economy penalises honest taxpayers, undermines the integrity of Australia's tax and welfare systems and creates an uneven playing field for the majority of small businesses doing the right thing.  As the economy changes in nature towards being a more services based economy, the Taskforce is reporting seeing an acceleration in the Black Economy with significant ramifications for the broader tax system.

Doug Niven at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission talks to Claire Grayston at CPA Australia about ASIC’s audit inspection findings for the 18 month period to December 2016, released in June 2017. Doug highlights ASIC’s key findings on audit files and firms’ quality control systems, which identifies the areas which firms can focus on in order to improve audit quality. He explains which firms are inspected, ASIC’s own quality processes and how ASIC’s findings are reviewed prior to release. He also identifies initiatives for firms to improve audit quality and the work being done internationally on tackling audit quality

Managing teams that work in, or come from, other parts of the world can present many challenges. This podcast will cover some tips to addressing issues around diversity and conflict, as well as how to succeed when work takes you across borders. Presented by: Pablo Benitez CPA, Victorian Corporate Committee of CPA Australia Dr Martijn Van der Kamp, Teaching Fellow, Monash Business School

Host: Ram Subramanian, Policy Adviser on Reporting, CPA Australia Guest: Doug Niven, Senior Executive leader, Financial Reporting and Audit, ASIC Doug Niven at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission talks to Ram Subramanian at CPA Australia about ASIC’s focus areas for the financial report surveillance program for 30 June 2017 financial reports of listed entities and other entities of public interest. Doug discusses in detail the reason for ASIC’s key focus areas and how companies can respond to these focus areas, which include impairment testing, revenue recognition, expense deferral, off-balance sheet arrangements, tax accounting, disclosure of estimates and accounting policies and the impact of the new accounting standards. Doug also talks about industry focusses, digital disruption, enhanced auditors reports, client monies and the operating and financial review.

Host: Claire Grayston, Policy Adviser on Audit & Assurance, CPA Australia Guest: Doug Niven, Senior Executive leader, Financial Reporting and Audit, ASIC Doug Niven at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission talks to Claire Grayston at CPA Australia about ASIC’s audit inspection findings for the 18 month period to December 2016, released in June 2017. Doug highlights ASIC’s key findings on audit files and firms’ quality control systems, which identifies the areas which firms can focus on in order to improve audit quality. He explains which firms are inspected, ASIC’s own quality processes and how ASIC’s findings are reviewed prior to release. He also identifies initiatives for firms to improve audit quality and the work being done internationally on tackling audit quality.

An overview of the new accounting standard for insurance contracts, how this will affect the insurance industry and the global capital markets.

Following the release of the 2017 budget on Tuesday 9 May 2017, Stuart Dignam, General Manager Policy and Corporate Affairs at CPA Australia, is joined by his colleague Paul Drum, Head of Policy to discuss the finer points of Treasurer Scott Morrison’s second budget in more detail: What is the expected economic impact over coming years? How realistic is the Australian government’s optimism about GDP growth? Are we too reliant on world growth to support our own prosperity? Have the structural issues in our economy been effectively addressed?

Continuing the focus on the July 2017 super changes, what are the implications for transition to retirement income streams and reversionary pensions?

From 1 July 2017, there will be a $1.6 million cap on the total amount of accumulated superannuation an individual can transfer into the tax–free retirement phase.  What are the implications for SMSFs with regard to segregation of assets and CGT relief?

From 1 July 2016, all accountants are required to be covered by an AFS licence to give financial advice about SMSFs.  During 2017 ASIC will be undertaking surveillance of accountants both licensed and unlicensed to test accountants compliance with the new obligations.

Imagine working behind the scenes at the biggest tennis tournament in the Asia Pacific region – the Australian Open in Melbourne. That is exactly what Vivien Lei did at the 2017 event after she was awarded CPA Australia’s Australian Open Work Experience opportunity through the CPA Australia Network. In this podcast, she speaks with CPA Australia’s Content Manager Jarrod Cardy about the experience, what she learnt and her advice for future applicants.

This video podcast will discuss the following topics such as what are the new and emerging technical skills that NFP Boards will be considering as part of their skills matrix over the next 5 years. Also as a CPA who has excellent financial skills, what other skills should I consider developing to make myself ready to join a NFP Board?. Also how many NFP Board Directors are sitting at the table on a voluntary basis. How can NFPs attract and retain highly-skilled Directors?. What is the leadership required on the Board to keep Directors engaged and therefore enhance Board performance? And finally if NFPs remunerate Directors, will this enhance Board accountability, engagement and effectiveness?

This podcast reports considers how integrated reporting has influenced Boardroom decision making.  Interviews with Directors of top Australian and South African companies reveal what integrated thinking means and how ideas about what is of value are changing.  The research was funded by CPA Australia and conducted by Carol Adams.  In this podcast John Purcell asks her about her findings.

The IAASB’s new auditor reporting requirements commence in December 2016. Standard setters in many jurisdictions, including Australia and New Zealand, have issued the new requirements with the same effective date, whilst others have committed to issue the standards but have not yet done so. The UK have had similar requirements in place since 2013 and some firms in other countries have early adopted the IAASB’s  requirements. Jim Sylph, Co-chairman of the IAASB’s Auditor Reporting Implementation Working Group, and Merran Kelsall, IAASB member and AUASB Chairman spoke to CPA Australia about the uptake and impact of enhanced auditor reporting around the globe.

After the release of the FMA’s Audit Quality Monitoring Report for 2015/2016, Senior Advisor at the FMA, Jacco Moison, speaks to Claire Grayston at CPA Australia about the key findings from the Audit Quality Reviews. Jacco explains what auditors can do to address the areas for improvement identified in the report and the part directors can play to support audit quality. Access FMA 2016 Audit Quality Monitoring Report

KPMG were the first of the early adopters of enhanced auditor reporting in Australia. Having now issued enhanced auditor’s reports for a second reporting period, KPMG partners, Carolyn Ralph and Cameron Slapp, spoke to CPA Australia about their experience of implementing the new requirements. This podcast explores why KPMG chose to early adopt, whether they have found the new approach beneficial, how time consuming drafting key audit matters has really been and whether investors have taken notice. Leading into the first mandatory reporting period end, KPMG’s tips on implementation will help other auditors, who are implementing the new requirements for the first time, prepare for the change of approach.

A brief discussion to discuss the regulator’s views on the three new accounting standards (financial instruments, revenue and leasing) that become effective in the near future.

Professor Miklos Vasarhelyi , leading researcher in data analytics and a widely published professor on the topics of continuous audit, data analytics and big data, speaks to CPA Australia on whether data analytics is fundamentally transforming the audit or if it is just a new means of gathering the same evidence as in the past. Prof. Vasarhelyi talks about how data analytics is shaping the future of audit and how auditors need to embrace that future. Miklos is KPMG’s Distinguished Professor of Accounting Information Systems at Rutgers University Business School in Newark & New Brunswick in the US, and Director of Rutgers’ Accounting Research Centre and Continuous Auditing and Reporting Lab. Miklos has been a pioneer of continuous auditing, having developed the original continuous audit application, and is a leading academic in developing and promoting data analytics.

A brief discussion of some of the key features of IFRS 16 and some of the practical issues surrounding its implementation.

A brief discussion of some of the key features of IFRS 15 and what it means for financial statements of entities from various sectors.

A brief discussion of some of the key features of IFRS 9 and what it means for financial statements of entities that are not in the financial services sector.

Join Corey Hale CPA, Corporate Services Manager, Leadership Victoria, and Jenny Lang FCPA, Director, Strategic Treasury and Procurement Consulting, CBA, as they share their experiences on workplace flexibility from both employer and employee perspectives.  They’ll provide tips to plan for a more rewarding and fulfilling career and life, whilst underlining some of the challenges and trade-offs.

In this podcast Craig Blair from the ATO sets out the areas which the ATO plan to focus on in their forthcoming SMSF auditor compliance program for 2016/17. Craig explains auditor independence and audit quality issues which have been identified through previous reviews of SMSF auditors and the ATO’s data analytics, which the ATO now intend to target. This podcast is essential listening for SMSF auditors to assist them in determining whether any of the independence or audit quality risk factors identified by the ATO may apply so that they may address those issues proactively.

Professor Emeritus Steven Mintz, Cal Poly State University, USA talks about conflicts, pressures and rationalisations accountants face.  He offers insights on what to expect and advice on how to respond to ethical issues.

Join Melville Yates from the Victorian Public Sector and Not-for-profit Committee of CPA Australia as he facilitates a conversation with Fiona Moore, Corporate Learning Solutions Manager at CPA Australia, and Cindy Turner, founder and CEO of Coach Central, on how work is changing for accountants in the public sector. Together they will discuss what employers are looking for in their staff and how members of CPA Australia can remain an integral part of their organisations

ASIC’s Senior Executive Leader, Doug Niven, discusses the ASIC inspection findings for the 18 months to 31 December 2014 with Claire Grayston, Audit & Assurance Policy Adviser at CPA Australia. The podcast highlights the key lesson for auditors as well as directors and audit committees’ role in improving audit quality, how Australian audits compare to other jurisdictions and ASIC’s areas of focus for the next inspection period. Participants: Host – Claire Grayston, Policy Adviser – Audit & Assurance, CPA Australia Guest – Doug Niven, Senior Executive Leader, Financial Reporting and Audit, ASIC

The most significant changes in auditor reporting in decades apply from 2016. The changes will have greatest impact on listed companies, but all auditor’s reports are effected. What’s behind the changes, what will they mean for directors, audit committees and investors and how are they being received around the world?  CPA Australia’s Audit & Assurance Policy Advisor Claire Grayston discusses these issues and more with the architects of the new rules, including International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board Chairman, Prof. Arnold Schilder. Names of speakers: Host: Claire Grayston - Policy Advisor – Audit & Assurance, CPA Australia Guests: Prof. Arnold Schilder – International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) Chairman Chuck Landes - IAASB Deputy Chairman & AICPA Vice President Merran Kelsall - AUASB Chairman & IAASB Member  

Financial Markets Authority Senior Advisor, Jacco Moison, discusses the key findings from the FMA’s 2015 Audit Quality Review, highlights positive trends and areas for future improvement, relevant to audit firms, audit committees and directors, as well as the FMA’s focus for 2016. Guest: Jacco Moison, Senior Adviser, Markets Oversight, FMA CPA Australia host: Claire Grayston

Private companies providing benefits to shareholders need to be wary of the wide provisions of Division 7A, says CPA Australia senior tax counsel Mark Morris in conversation with Sue Williamson and Megan Bishop of Ernst & Young.

Ian Raspin of BNR Partners and Mark Morris, formerly CPA Australia's senior tax counsel and now professor of Practice at La Trobe University, recap the pros and cons of lodging a family trust election.

Independent consultant Miles Deayton and Mark Morris, CPA Australia's senior tax counsel, discuss a range of recent ATO audit initiatives.

Roelof Van Der Merwe, National Tax Director Nexia Australia, discusses a recent ruling which confirms that payments of money or property transfer to a spouse will be regarded as a Division 7A deemed dividend.

Thomas Ryan, assistant commissioner of debt at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), reveals to Mark Morris, CPA Australia's senior tax counsel, how the framework can assist individuals and businesses to manage their tax debts.

Changes in the international business environment have led to new levels of cooperation and information sharing, says Greg Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Taxation at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

With some 73,000 individual franchisees generating 13 billion annually, franchising is an attractive business model for many small business owners wishing to expand. But franchising is not for the unwary as Jason Bertalli, Director BNR Partners explains to Mark Morris, CPA Australia’s senior tax counsel.

Robin Parsons, R&D Tax Partner Asia Pacific, Ernst & Young and Nick Weston, Chief Executive Agenix join Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia to discuss what it takes to turn an innovative idea into a commercially viable product or service.

ASIC recently announced its focus for 30 June 2014 financial reports of listed and public interest entities, as well as findings from its reviews of 31 December 2013 reports.

Thomas Ryan, Assistant Commissioner - Debt , Australian Taxation Office, talks with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia about the ATO's differentiated approach to debt using external debt collection agencies.

Amir Ghandar, Policy Advisor, CPA Australia and Dr Damian Cotchett, Senior Consultant, Nous Group discuss the importance of professional scepticism, and what it means to professionals including particularly auditors in a practical sense.

Paul Kruspe, Assistant Commissioner - Lodgment talks with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia about the ATO's approach to lodgment including an update on the lodgment differentiation framework.

Ray Cummings, Principal, Greenoak Advisory, discusses his experiences and approach to tax audits with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia.

Ian Raspin, Director, BNR Partners outlines some of the key contentious issues that can arise through the use of testamentary trusts with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia.

Ray Cummings, Principal, Greenoak Advisory, and Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia discuss when a contractor will be regarded as deriving personal services for tax purposes including related tips and traps.

Professor Jeremy Moon explains the key developments in CSR and the role of the accounting profession, including CSR developments in Australia and Asia.

Ray Cummings, Principal, Greenoak Advisory, and Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia, discuss the various tips and traps for practitioners when applying the small business CGT concessions.

David Vasudevan and Andrew Yeo, Business Recovery and Insolvency Services, Pitcher Partners, discuss managing risk for clients and advisers when the ATO seek to recover debts with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel CPA Australia.

Doug Niven, Senior Executive Leader - Financial Reporting and Audit, ASIC and Ram Subramanian, Policy Adviser - Reporting & Audit, CPA Australia discuss useful tips for financial report preparers and auditors this financial reporting season.

David Vasudevan and Andrew Yeo, Business Recovery and Insolvency Services, Pitcher Partners, discuss business insolvency and their experiences with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel CPA Australia.

Ray Cummings, Principal, Greenoak Advisory, talks with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia, about the tax and practical considerations that should be considered when undertaking estate planning.

Paul Kruspe, Assistant Commissioner - Lodgment and Thomas Ryan, Assistant Commissioner - Debt , Australian Taxation Office, talk with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia about the ATO's differentiated approach to lodgement and debt.

Jennifer Moltisanti, Assistant Commissioner, ATO, talks with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel CPA Australia, about the ATO's dispute management plan and refund integrity verification measures.

Ray Cummings, Principal, Greenoak Advisory, talks with Mark Morris, Senior Tax Counsel, CPA Australia, about the tax and commercial challenges associated with succession planning for privately-held groups.

Goodwill and bonus banks

Sustainability opportunities

Interventionist research

Fair value accounting and the Global Financial Crisis: Part 2

Fair value accounting and the Global Financial Crisis: Part 1

Ethical Leadership and the Accounting Profession

Business strategy development

Managing employee fraud

Islamic finance accounting issues