Cognitive bias in decision-making
INTHEBLACK
Cognitive bias. It quietly shapes many of the decisions made in accounting and finance – often without you realising it. This unintended bias can become a risk if left unchecked – especially in professions built on precision, trust and ethical responsibility. Drawing on real-world examples, this episode explores the diverse types of cognitive bias, and how they can impact accounting and finance professionals in our day-to-day work. Key learnings...
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With Interest: Payday Super explained ahead of 2026 rollout
INTHEBLACK
Did you know that one of Australia's biggest superannuation reforms in decades is starting in July 2026? Are you prepared for the change? In short, with legislation moving through Parliament, Australia will move from quarterly to payday-based superannuation payments – a significant shift with implications across business. This expert-led episode, featuring three guests, explores the systems issues and regulatory implications as well as why Payday...
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With Interest: Digital reporting - Why it’s time for Australia
INTHEBLACK
Australia remains one of the few advanced economies still using PDFs for financial reporting – a format most global markets have already left behind. In this episode, you’ll gain expert-led insights on why adopting digital financial reporting in Australia is critical to supporting trust, transparency and competitiveness in global markets. Explore how structured data allows regulators, investors and businesses to analyse and compare information more efficiently, driving better...
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With Interest: Attracting accountants - How to future-proof the profession
INTHEBLACK
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...
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Do you want to be happier at work? New research shows how
INTHEBLACK
We all want to be happy at work. Or at least happier, don’t we? Across this conversation, listeners will learn about a foundational concept: Success often follows happiness rather than causes it. Drawing on research in positive psychology, the episode outlines how mindset, habits and self-awareness account for a large share of overall wellbeing, far outweighing external circumstances. It also explains how small, consistent practices such as learning to be grateful can recalibrate the brain’s natural bias...
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How to delegate effectively: Strategies for success
INTHEBLACK
We’ve all probably had a manager or leader who struggles to delegate. Sound familiar? This Career Hacks episode explores the art of delegation. It’s an essential skill, particularly for new managers – and one that’s often hard to master. Getting the right balance between a hands-off approach and micro-management is key, and an empathetic approach can really help, say the experts. Listen in to learn the behavioural traps that keep managers...
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The EQ edge: How leaders handle tough work conversations
INTHEBLACK
Are you a leader who dreads hard conversations? The uncomfortable feedback. The underperformance chat. The redundancy announcement. It can be daunting. But difficult conversations are part of every leader’s journey, and mastering them takes skill, EQ and practice. In this expert-led episode, we bring you tools to help. Key learnings: • Why fear for even the most capable leaders drives avoidance – and how to break the cycle • How to prepare for tough talks without over-rehearsing • Practical ways to lead redundancy or performance discussions • Turning emotional...
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Resume essentials to get you noticed in finance roles
INTHEBLACK
Planning your next career move? If so, you’re going to need a resume that stands out from the rest. In this episode, you’ll learn what hiring managers look for and how to present your experience with clarity and confidence. With an expert guest offering tips and advice, discover how CV formats are changing, what recruiters see as red flags and the role keywords play in passing those annoying, AI-driven applicant tracking systems. Key insights include: The resume length rule that really matters What to highlight at junior and senior career stages Skills,...
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Beat burnout: Expert strategies to help you today
INTHEBLACK
How’s your mental energy? It’s an important question to ask yourself. Here’s why. As the working year draws to a close, your mental energy may be a little low. This can have implications not only for you, but your work productivity. In this episode, we explore how finance professionals can protect their mental bandwidth, sustain their energy and lead with purpose without burning out. You’ll learn practical ways to recharge...
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Powering Australia’s future: Inside the battery boom
INTHEBLACK
Did you know that Australia is the world’s largest lithium producer? In this episode, you’ll learn more about the battery business – a complex area given its reliance on the mining sector and the associated challenges involved in extracting primary resources. Listeners will gain an expert-led view of the global battery industry, and how mining, sustainability and policy intersect to power the next generation of economic growth. Key areas covered include: What lithium is and how it powers everything from EVs to renewable storage systems Why “battery passports” are...
info_outlineHow is the role of the CFO evolving and what does it mean for the future of finance?
In this episode, you’ll gain key takeaways from Hays’ CFO Insights Report, which surveyed nearly 300 CFOs across Australia and New Zealand.
You’ll learn how finance leaders are shifting from traditional financial management to a more strategic “chief value officer” role, driving broader organisational impact in an increasingly volatile business landscape.
Gain valuable insights into how CFOs are using AI for automation, prioritising cybersecurity amid growing threats, and embedding sustainability into financial strategy as ESG regulations come into sharper focus.
Additionally, with finance roles expanding, CFOs are investing in leadership development, digital skills and future-proofing their teams through structured succession planning.
Stay ahead in the finance world and discover:
- Emerging trends
- Challenges
- Actionable strategies
Tune in now.
Host: Christine Gounder, Digital Content Leader, CPA Australia
Guest: Caroline Edwards, NSW Director, Accountancy and Finance at Hays
You can read the full Hays’ CFO Insights Report online and Hays’ website has more about the services that the company offer.
CPA Australia also has resources for finance professionals which can help you in your career journey.
Additionally, at the INTHEBLACK website, you can read articles on wide range of topics for business, accounting and finance professionals, including the must-have skills for CFOs in 2025.
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:
Search for them in your podcast platform.
Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au