Episodes

  • INTHEBLACK: Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler

    INTHEBLACK: Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler
    Jul 8 2025
    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 podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    19 mins
  • Tax time 2025: How to stay safe from scams

    Tax time 2025: How to stay safe from scams
    Jun 24 2025
    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 podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    13 mins
  • Tax time 2025: Navigating succession planning

    Tax time 2025: Navigating succession planning
    Jun 17 2025
    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 podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    12 mins
  • Tax time 2025: Small business essentials

    Tax time 2025: Small business essentials
    Jun 10 2025
    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 podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    12 mins
  • Tax time 2025: What you need to know

    Tax time 2025: What you need to know
    Jun 3 2025
    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 podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    13 mins
  • A director’s guide to stronger NFP governance

    A director’s guide to stronger NFP governance
    May 28 2025
    What does good governance in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector look like? In this episode of With Interest, we’ll explore the frameworks, challenges and opportunities shaping NFP leadership today. Gain practical insights into: What good governance really means for NFPs The top governance challenges NFPs face in the Australian context The link between sound fiscal management and accountability Real-world examples of governance that made a measurable difference Actionable steps directors can take to enhance governance in their organisations Useful tools and resources from CPA Australia and AICD Whether you're a director, advisor or part of an NFP board, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help your organisation build trust, improve oversight and stay compliant in a complex regulatory environment. Tune in for expert commentary and sector-specific advice that will help you lead with purpose and responsibility. Host: Ram Subramanian, external reporting lead, CPA Australia Co-host: Joss Fenton FCPA, accountant and adviser to a wide range of not-for-profit (NFP) and business clients. Guest: Phil Butler, CPA and NFP lead at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Head to the AICD on Linkedin for more information and links. CPA Australia also has resources on its website. Additionally, 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: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    21 mins
  • Post-election insights: What business needs to know

    Post-election insights: What business needs to know
    May 8 2025
    With the federal election decided, attention turns to the road ahead for Australian businesses and the newly re-elected government's agenda. This special episode delves into the critical economic challenges and opportunities ahead, offering expert perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape. Explore Australia's current economic position – its strengths and weaknesses – and what priorities the Treasurer should focus on. Listen now for a comprehensive briefing on the economic outlook covering: Key priorities for the Treasurer based on Australia's economic health The ripple effects of US policy and tariffs on Australian sectors Policy levers the government can pull to navigate challenges CPA Australia's "three R" recommendations for business and community improvement How government’s zero-risk approach affects business The importance of tax reform Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Guests: Dr Brendan Rynne, Chief Economist with KPMG. His expertise includes econometric analysis, economy-wide modelling, cost benefit analysis, impact assessments, efficiency improvements and legislative and regulatory reform. Gavan Ord, business investment and international lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia. Learn more about today’s guest at the KPGM website. Additionally, CPA Australia has an overview of the relevant election policies announced by the Australian Labor Party (ALP) leading up to and during the 2025 Federal election campaign. It also includes a list of some relevant policies announced in the previous parliament that have yet to be enacted. 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 podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    27 mins
  • CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 2)

    CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 2)
    Apr 28 2025
    In this second instalment of a special two-part episode, a respected panel of industry experts dive deeper into the insights from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. This landmark small business survey – launched at Parliament House in Canberra in March – captures data from over 4200 small businesses across the Asia-Pacific, including more than 500 Australian businesses, providing a timely snapshot of their performance, challenges and future priorities. From sole traders and family-run operations to service providers, these are the enterprises that power the region’s economies – and the businesses CPA Australia and its members support every day. Listen and learn key insights from a lively debate with highly respected industry voices discussing critical issues for small business in Australia and APAC. Presenter: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Panel: Yasmin Coe FCPA, President of CPA Australia ACT DivisionAngad Soin, Xero Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand and Global Chief Strategy OfficerBruce Billson GAICD, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise OmbudsmanGavin Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia CPA Australia’s 2025 edition of its Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey is available online and offers deep insights into the challenges small businesses are facing in Australia and APAC. You can also read CPA Australia’s media release which calls for government to urgently prioritise small business issues. To catch up, listen to part one of this two-part episode as CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord outlines the survey and the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing. 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: With InterestINTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out LoudExcel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au
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    36 mins