CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 1)
With Interest
In this first of a two-part With Interest, we’ll explore key findings from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra. In part one, CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord unpacks the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing – from cash flow pressures and access to finance, to workforce fatigue, productivity and talent retention – all within today’s demanding business environment. This annual survey captures the experiences of 4200 small businesses across the region – including more than 500 in...
info_outline
ATO guide for business owners and tax practitioners
With Interest
In this episode, learn some of the key challenges facing accountants in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and what you can expect in 2025. Gain an overview of the challenges faced by small businesses, who account for 65 per cent of the ATO's debt, and the increasing pressures on both tax agents and taxpayers. Dive into the ATO's renewed focus on tax debt recovery, especially the significant rise in unpaid taxes post-COVID. Learn the importance of early engagement with the ATO to avoid enforcement actions like garnishee notices and...
info_outline
Federal Budget 2025: what you need to know
With Interest
In this special Federal Budget 2025 episode, gain key insights and expert commentary into the measures announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers from last night's budget speech in Canberra. Focusing on what accountants, small business owners and finance professionals need to know, CPA Australia’s policy experts break down Budget 2025 in key areas such as: Overall budget reaction What’s in it for small business Income tax changes Cost-of-living relief Spending programs Economic, fiscal outlook Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown to help you learn about and navigate Budget 2025,...
info_outline
Unpacking the ACCC’s supermarkets inquiry
With Interest
Supermarkets play a pivotal role in the daily lives and finances of millions of Australians. In this episode, we’ll delve into the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) major inquiry into the supermarket industry. One of the experts who made a submission to the ACCC for this inquiry discusses key issues such as: Price gouging concerns and evidence of abnormal profits Market structure and consumer experience Pricing strategies and trends Perishable products and food waste Future recommendations for fair competition Tune in to learn more on how this inquiry could...
info_outline
IESBA’s amendments: what finance professionals need to know
With Interest
It’s vital to be across changes in accounting when amendments are made by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). Learn more about these amendments - which are ready for global adoption - and how they may apply to you. The episode covers areas such as: Reporting standards Sustainability reporting Assurance Ethics Independence Value chains Tune in to understand how these changes affect your practice and ensure that you’re equipped to uphold ethical standards and keep public trust in the profession. Host: , sustainability leader, Guest: , a...
info_outline
INTHEBLACK: The risks and rewards of dynamic pricing for business
With Interest
As technology and artificial intelligence grow in sophistication, dynamic pricing is increasingly being considered as part of a pricing strategy. What are the benefits and potential pitfalls that businesses should be aware of? In this episode, you’ll learn how dynamic pricing has evolved into sophisticated real-time pricing powered by algorithms and data analytics. Discover the critical balance between profitability and maintaining customer trust, with insights on avoiding common pitfalls like unfair surprise pricing and discriminatory practices. Explore the importance of transparency in...
info_outline
INTHEBLACK: Ethical intelligence for accountants
With Interest
Ethics are a cornerstone of the accounting profession. In this episode, an ethical intelligence specialist explores the challenges accountants and finance professionals face in relation to ethics. Gain practical advice on how you can avoid common ethics pitfalls and how to develop and apply ethical intelligence to ensure compliance with the APES 110 code. Dive into real-world examples of how accountants have violated key principles – integrity, objectivity, competence, confidentiality and professional behaviour – and learn how to avoid these scenarios. Listen now for an expert ethics...
info_outline
Your guide to the latest business trends in Asia
With Interest
What's fueling growth in Asia right now? In this episode we explore the latest business conditions, emerging trends and opportunities across the region. Join us as we break down Asialink Business’ new Year of the Snake report – a comprehensive survey of insights from top business and government representatives. For professionals in accounting, business and finance, this conversation highlights the opportunities and challenges that the rapidly evolving landscape in Asia has created for Australian businesses. Tune in for a deep dive into what’s shaping the future of this region and gain...
info_outline
INTHEBLACK: How to successfully implement AI into your business
With Interest
Stanford University’s Erik Brynjolfsson joins us to share insights on how business can leverage AI to boost productivity, innovation and growth. In this episode, Erik explores the key role of a CFO in the AI era, strategies for staying competitive in today’s digital world, and the AI skills professionals need to stay ahead. He also dives into the future of work, the growing importance of intangible assets, and the ethical implications of AI development. Join us to gain valuable insights from a leading AI thought leader and academic. Host: Aidan Ormond, digital content editor, CPA...
info_outline
INTHEBLACK: What are you worth? New salary trends revealed
With Interest
Explore the Hays 2024-25 salary guide, celebrating 45 years of insightful reporting on the Australian and New Zealand job market. Learn key trends and salary ranges essential for accounting, finance and business professionals in today’s job market. With input from over 15,000 respondents across 26 industries, a key finding reveals that 77% of employees are considering new job opportunities, primarily due to the rising cost of living. Discover further insights on skills shortages and the permanence of hybrid work arrangements and gain actionable strategies to navigate the...
info_outlineIn this first of a two-part With Interest, we’ll explore key findings from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra.
In part one, CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord unpacks the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing – from cash flow pressures and access to finance, to workforce fatigue, productivity and talent retention – all within today’s demanding business environment.
This annual survey captures the experiences of 4200 small businesses across the region – including more than 500 in Australia – offering a timely snapshot of their performance, priorities and pain points.
From sole traders and family-run builders to growing e-commerce retailers and service providers, these are the businesses that CPA Australia and its members work with every day.
Part two will feature a panel discussion with industry experts who dig deeper into the implications and opportunities behind the survey’s key data.
Presenter: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia
You can read CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey and CPA Australia’s media release which calls for Government to urgently prioritise small business issues.
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:
Search for them in your podcast platform.
Email the podcast team at [email protected]