How to handle a conflict of interest
INTHEBLACK
As accountants, conflicts of interest can arise. Some say they are unavoidable. But knowing how to manage them is crucial. This episode explores how such conflicts arise – from client relationships to commercial pressures – and why managing them is critical to upholding trust in the profession. You will learn: why conflicts of interest are increasing in today’s business environment the most common conflict of interest scenarios facing accountants and advisers when...
info_outline
The future of accounting in an AI-driven world
INTHEBLACK
AI is reshaping finance faster than most accounting and finance organisations are prepared for. This episode explores what that means in practice and how professionals can stay relevant as roles evolve. From automation and agentic AI to cybersecurity risks and sustainability pressures, this expert-led discussion highlights the shifts happening across finance, accounting and business in a volatile and rapidly changing world. You will learn: The biggest forces changing the profession right now What AI fluency looks like in...
info_outline
From ledgers to the new AI world
INTHEBLACK
Accounting has evolved dramatically, but its core purpose stays unchanged - enabling trust and better decision-making. In this episode, hosted by Australian comedian Lehmo, learn how the profession has moved from manual record keeping to a strategic role centred on judgement, governance and value creation. Additionally, explore why AI is transforming tools rather than replacing expertise. Key learnings from this episode: How accounting has evolved from bookkeeping to strategic decision support ...
info_outline
Economic outlook for 2026: Australia and APAC
INTHEBLACK
Gain a clear view of where the Australian and Asia-Pacific economies are heading and what it all means for finance leaders in 2026. The headlines say volatility. The data tells a more nuanced story. Inflation, interest rates, productivity and more are all explained in plain terms, translating macroeconomic signals into what matters for business leaders today. Listen for an expert view of: The economic cycle that Australia and APAC are entering ...
info_outline
AQ for finance leaders
INTHEBLACK
What do you do when there is no playbook? Many finance leaders have built their careers on accuracy, clarity and control. But today’s operating climate is defined by uncertainty rather than stability. Market turbulence, rapid advances in AI, organisational redesign and ongoing talent constraints are converging at the same time. In this context, success depends on more than just IQ or EQ. It now also hinges on your adaptability quotient (AQ). In this episode, explore how finance professionals can build...
info_outline
Office romance: How to manage the risks
INTHEBLACK
Workplace romance happens more often than most people realise. While at its heart (no pun intended) it’s a personal matter, companies today have obligations under legislation that affect how these relationships are managed. When colleagues become romantically involved, there are ways to handle it that respect personal freedom while managing organisational risk. This episode examines that tricky balancing act of respecting privacy with the current legal and ethical responsibilities of...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineWhat does productivity really mean in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world – and are traditional measures still relevant?
In this episode of INTHEBLACK, take a fresh look at how to define and measure productivity in today’s high-tech economy.
Longstanding metrics like multi-factor productivity (MFP) and gross domestic product (GDP) have shaped economic policy for decades – but are they still fit for purpose?
An expert guest expert draws on insights from the Australian Productivity Commission and his own research to explore:
-
Why conventional productivity measures may no longer reflect real economic value
-
Emerging alternative metrics that better capture today’s workplace dynamics
-
What this shift means for business leaders, finance professionals and policymakers
If you're a business owner, accountant or advisor looking to better understand the future of work and economic performance, this episode will give you the context – and questions – you need to stay ahead.
Listen now to uncover what productivity really is in today’s economy.
Host: Garreth Hanley, podcast producer, CPA Australia
Guest: John QuiggIn, Professor of Economics at University of Queensland. He is prominent both as a research economist and as a commentator on Australian economic policy. He is a Fellow of the Econometric Society, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. His latest book After Neoliberalism was released in 2024.
For more information on research reports by the Australian Productivity Commission, head to its website.
Additionally, learn more about alternative productivity metrics such as wellbeing indices and TFP (total factor productivity)
INTHEBLACK has also covered this episode’s topic.
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