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_outlineGenerative AI isn’t on the horizon – it’s already changing how finance professionals work.
In this episode, you’ll gain a clear understanding of AI in finance, including:
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What generative AI actually is
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How it differs from traditional AI
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Why it matters to your role in finance
You’ll learn practical examples of how AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot and BloombergGPT are being used in finance – from automating reporting to generating insights and even replacing junior analyst tasks via agentic AI, for example.
For those finance professionals working with data, models or reports, this episode shows where AI can take over repetitive tasks and where you can use it to boost your impact with essential skills.
If you're thinking about how to future-proof your career or your team, you’ll come away with a clear picture of the technical and strategic skills that are quickly becoming essential in the profession.
Whether you're advising clients, managing data, or leading change, this episode gives you the insight needed to stay ahead in an AI-driven world.
Host: Aidan Ormond, Digital Content Editor, INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia
Guest: Patrick Leung, a data science tech lead with a background across insurance, banking and sports analytics. He is recognised for his expertise in natural language processing and AI strategy.
Related to this episode’s topic, CPA Australia has courses and online learning resources as well as micro credentials.
You can learn more about this episode’s topic on INTHEBLACK with these articles:
And your listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.
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