Australia’s economic reform roundtable: Key takeaways

How can we attract more accountants and future-proof the profession?   In this episode we take a deep dive with IFAC into this pressing question. You’ll learn about accounting’s talent pipeline – its challenges and possible solutions.    Key takeaways include:   What’s really driving the talent shortage and how firms, educators and policymakers can respond.  Simple ways to position accounting as a dynamic, valued career choice.  Why reaching future accountants in primary school – and harnessing gamification – sparks lifelong curiosity.  How AI is reshaping (not replacing) accounting jobs, and what skillsets are essential for today’s graduates.  Real-world strategies to build an engaged and future-proofed accounting team.  If you’re in business or accounting leadership, don’t miss these actionable insights to help understand and elevate the profession’s future.  Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External affairs, CPA Australia  Guest: Bruce Vivian, Head of Accountancy Education, IFAC  You can learn more about Bruce Vivian’s career and his role with IFAC.   And read IFAC’s story on possible incentives for attracting accounting talent.  Also, check out IFAC’s website for its attractiveness of the profession hub which includes resources on preparing a future-ready profession and roles for the next decade. You can listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

Want strategic insights to help navigate the tricky landscape of international trade?   Designed for Australian accountants and business leaders seeking an edge in global trade, this podcast will give you expert-led insights into:  How to assess financial health before entering new markets  Cash flow strategies that support sustainable export growth  Practical tools for managing risks in international trade  Ways government loans and grants can accelerate expansion  Why early lender engagement is key to successful financing  Our guest is an export expert! Sonia Kammel is the CFO of Export Finance Australia (EFA), the Australian Government's export credit agency, which supports export trade and overseas infrastructure development.   Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, this episode equips you with the knowledge to help guide businesses and clients to global success.  Tune in now.   Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, CPA Australia    Guest: Sonia Kammel FCPA, CFO of Export Finance Australia For more, head online to the Export Finance Australia website where you can also learn about small business loans. And of course, the EFA account on LinkedIn is another useful resource.   Want to listen to more episodes? With Interest and other CPA Australia podcasts are also on YouTube.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

Unpack and understand Australia's economic reform roundtable, which met in Canberra recently to explore ways of making the economy more productive and resilient.   This includes what the issues discussed mean for the economy’s future and what accountants and finance leaders need to know about the major tax and productivity challenges ahead.   Tune in now for a breakdown of this three-day summit, including:  Tax reform and productivity  Long-term growth challenges  Modernising the workforce  Tariffs  AI strategies  Attracting capital  While there is cautious optimism, this episode explores the broad thrust of the roundtable to understand the key challenges ahead.   The federal government roundtable, held in August 2025 brought together leaders from the business community, the union movement and society.   These discussions were informed by nearly 900 submissions from experts, industry leaders and individuals (including CPA Australia) and over 40 forums that Ministers held.   Listen now.   Host: Adrienne Biscontin, external affairs adviser, CPA Australia  Guests Dr Brendan Rynne, chief economist, KPMG. Brendan has been at KPMG nearly 30 years, 22 years as a partner, and has worked on major policy reforms including the Henry Tax Review and the Tax White paper. Alongside Brendan is  Gavan Ord business investment and international lead, CPA Australia.   Links:  For more on this episode’s special guest, head over to the KPMG website.   Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:  With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

As AI becomes embedded across public sector operations, how do you balance innovation with accountability? In this episode, hear expert views on the governance of AI in the public sector.   Key themes include:  Why defining AI clearly matters for risk management  The need to keep humans in the loop for high-impact decisions  Risks of using public generative AI tools with confidential data  The importance of closed-loop and contextual AI systems in government  How to balance centralised frameworks with agency-specific needs  Building a risk-aware culture vs. enforcing tick-box compliance  The challenge of maintaining transparency in machine learning  Why AI governance should be principles-based, not rules-based  The growing concerns around agentic AI and loss of human control  Whether you're a policy maker, accountant or public service leader, this discussion offers practical insights into designing agile, ethical and effective AI governance in the public sector.  Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia  Guest: Michael Davern, FCPA Professor of Accounting and Business Information Systems, University of Melbourne. For over 30 years, both in Australia and internationally, he has led industry-engaged research projects in data analytics, business intelligence, financial reporting, risk management, data governance and ethics, among others.  CPA Australia has released a report titled AI governance in the public sector. It features key insights from CPA Australia’s recent webinar with public sector experts.  For more, a media release on AI governance in the public sector summarises our views.  And learn more about this episode’s expert guest Michael Davern on the University of Melbourne website.   Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

Learn all about the sweeping changes to superannuation which are set to reshape super from July 2025 onward.   Whether you're a financial adviser, accountant or business owner, this is a must-listen episode if you want to stay informed and prepared.   You'll gain clear insights into:  The new Division 296 tax, which targets individuals with super balances over $3 million  The superannuation guarantee increasing to 12%  Payday super rules requiring contributions in line with payroll  New parental leave super funded by the government  Changes to the general transfer balance cap and contribution rules  This episode covers the hot topics of debate in superannuation that accounting and finance professionals need to know to guide clients, adjust payroll systems or plan your own financial strategy.  Listen now.   Host: Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia  Guest: Richard Webb, superannuation lead, CPA Australia  Links:  You can learn more about CPA Australia’s view on super reforms via media releases, which cover:   Payday super  The increased super guarantee  $3m super tax impact  And you can listen to more WITH INTEREST episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]

This week’s show is a special presentation from CPA Australia’s leadership, strategy and business podcast, INTHEBLACK. Ever wondered how well you communicate?  Communication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, research-backed techniques to help you build trust, speak with confidence and strengthen your presence.  Whether you're presenting to the board, in an online meeting or fielding tough questions, this episode gives you the tools to communicate with greater impact and earn trust more effectively.   From unconscious habits that sabotage credibility to the secrets behind handling high-pressure moments, unpack how voice, body language and messaging shape the way we’re perceived.  In this INTHEBLACK episode, you’ll learn:   The core components of trust and why they matter   How to communicate with authority using vocal and physical presence   Simple ways to manage anxiety in meetings and presentations   What gravitas really is and how to develop it  Listen now for expert-backed tips you can use today.   Host: Jackie Blondell, Editorial Content Lead, CPA Australia  Guest: Dr Louise Mahler, an expert in body language, voice and human behaviour. She has a PhD in Leadership Communication, and degrees and masters in Organisational Psychology and Music and is the author of two books on the subject: Resonate and Gravitas.    You can learn more about Louise Mahler at her website.   INTHEBLACK has also covered today’s topic in a recent article featuring Dr Louise Mahler along with other experts who share their insights on staying calm and composed in the workplace when the pressure is on.  You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.   Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

As tax time approaches, so does a spike in scam activity – posing a real threat to both individuals and small businesses.   In this episode, we’ll explore the latest scam trends and what accountants, tax agents and business owners need to know to protect themselves and their clients.  By listening, you’ll gain:  Awareness of current scam tactics targeting taxpayers in 2025  Insights into ATO impersonation scams, including red flags and pressure tactics used by scammers  Comparisons to previous years, with key differences in scam behaviour for 2025  Guidance for tax agents on how to support and educate clients  Best practices for verifying ATO communication  An introduction to myID and its role in strengthening identity protection  Clear steps to take if a scam is suspected, along with a key message to remember this tax season.  This episode is a must-listen for finance professionals and small business advisers looking to stay one step ahead of scam threats during tax time 2025.  Tune in today.   Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Joda Walter, Assistant Commissioner, Cyber Governance, Australian Taxation Office (ATO)  For information related to this episode, head to the ATO website which has guidance and information on the following:  Verify or report a scam   Scam alerts   Help for identity theft   Help with data breaches   Top cyber security tips for businesses  Scamsafe   Additionally, you can listen to other episodes in this Tax Time 2025 series.   And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.     CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips   Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

  Succession planning is a critical topic. Understanding how to navigate succession planning is crucial for accountants, financial professionals and those involved in wealth management.    In this second episode in the Tax Time 2025 series, you’ll learn about the key points of wealth transfer and what you need to know about succession planning, including:   Current trends   Regulatory aspects   Tax considerations for private groups  Capital gains tax (GGT) in relation to succession planning  Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective strategies for ensuring a smooth transition of wealth while meeting compliance requirements.  Listen now.   Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Jenny Lin, Assistant Commissioner, Private Wealth, Australian Taxation Office  For information related to this episode, head to the ATO website for information on succession planning   Additionally, you can listen to other episodes in this Tax Time 2025 series.    And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.    CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]  

Stay informed and prepared with the latest updates relevant to small business this tax season.  In this episode, gain critical insights to help small business clients successfully navigate Tax Time 2025.  Key topics covered include:  Current ATO focus areas  Specific tax considerations for small business owners  Practical strategies to support compliance and informed decision-making  Designed for CPA Australia members and the broader business community, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you stay ahead of regulatory changes and support your clients with confidence.  Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest:  Angela Allen, Assistant Commissioner, Small Business Experience, Australian Taxation Office, (ATO)  For guidance and information related to this episode, head to the ATO website, where you'll find these helpful pages:  Small business focus areas  Quarterly to monthly GST reporting   Tax Time toolkit for small business  Essentials for strengthening your small business  Additionally, you can listen to other episodes in this Tax Time 2025 series.    And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.    CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]    

This four-part tax time 2025 series provides you with comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to assist Australian accountants, finance professionals and their clients.   In this first episode, learn about the latest updates from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as well as key information on:  Deductions  Record keeping  Investments  Digital tools  ATO focus areas  This episode will help ensure you and your clients are well prepared for tax season in 2025.    Listen now.   Host: Jenny Wong, tax lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia  Guest: Rob Thomson, assistant commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) For links related to this episode, head to the ATO website for information on:  The ATO app  Occupation guides  Work-related expenses   Work-related self-education expenses   Super health check    From June 24, 2025, the full four-episode tax time 2025 series will be available to listen on CPA Australia’s site.  And you can find CPA Australia’s tax resources on the website.   CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:   With Interest  INTHEBLACK   INTHEBLACK Out Loud  Excel Tips  Search for them in your podcast platform.   Email the podcast team at [email protected]