With Interest

Navigating business uncertainty

It's a volatile world, and businesses are under pressure.  In this episode of With Interest, Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead at CPA Australia, explores how businesses are navigating an increasingly unstable global environment marked by geopolitical conflict, cost pressures and economic shocks.  The conversation draws on insights from CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey to unpack how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are coping, and what separates those that merely survive from those that emerge stronger.  The discussion emphasises that while volatility is becoming the norm, uncertainty does not have to result in paralysis.  Instead, thoughtful planning, investment in capability, and trusted advice can help businesses build resilience and position for long‑term growth, even as governments and markets remain focused on short‑term crises.  Key areas covered:  How global conflicts, fuel price shocks and inflation affect small businesses across Australia and the APAC region.  How a risk‑averse mindset changes business decision‑making, and the risks of focusing only on cost‑cutting.  What role accountants and advisors can play through scenario planning, forecasting and calming decision‑making.  Why businesses that continue investing in technology, innovation and management capability perform better during crises.  If you're navigating uncertainty in business, this episode has expert insights to help.  Host:  Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia  Guest: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  For more, head online for CPA Australia's 17th Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey.  CPA Australia also has tips for managing through tough times and managing through a high cost environment  ABC News finance journalist Alan Kohler talking about fluctuating oil prices on April 7, mentioned in this episode. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts  And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career.  CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting:  With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest  INTHEBLACK https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack  INTHEBLACK Out Loud https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud  Excel Tips https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips  Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au 

Payday super checklist

Payday super is one of the most significant payroll changes in years, and businesses need to act now to be ready.  This episode is like a checklist, breaking down what the shift to real-time super payments means in practice, how compliance will work and what employers should be doing before the July deadline.  Key learnings:  What payday super actually requires beyond more frequent payments  How the seven-day contribution rule will affect payroll processes  Why cash flow planning is critical under the new system  How to prepare payroll systems and work with providers effectively  The risks of incorrect employee super fund data and how to fix it  What changes from ordinary time earnings to qualifying earnings mean  How the ATO will approach compliance in the first year  Key actions for businesses using clearing houses before they close  What high-balance super members should consider ahead of new tax rules  If you handle payroll, finance, or business operations, this conversation will help you avoid common pitfalls, as well as help you take practical action before the deadline to avoid disruption and penalties.  Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor, CPA Australia  Guest: Richard Webb, superannuation lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia  For more, head to the ATO Payday Super guide.  CPA Australia also has resources on superannuation.  And this article offers more insight.  Loving this episode?  Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts  And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career.  CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting:  With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest  INTHEBLACK https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack  INTHEBLACK Out Loud https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud  Excel Tips https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips  Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

New AML reforms and what they mean for accountants

(This encore presentation episode was originally published on Dec 9, 2025)  When anti-money laundering (AML) comes to mind, most accountants assume it only applies to large transactions – but that's now changing.  This episode explains new AML obligations for accountants. Specifically, how the reforms to AML and counter terrorism financing (CTF) in 2026 will affect many accounting practices.  You'll gain a clear understanding of what the changes will mean, including which services fall under the new designated services rules, how the regulator AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) will assess compliance and what firms can do now to prepare.  Key learnings include:  An explanation of the regulator AUSTRAC's role and tranche two reforms to the AML/CTF regime  The timeline for implementation of these new reforms  How to identify whether your services qualify as "designated" services  How to conduct risk assessments  Why client onboarding and beneficial ownership checks will become more detailed  What sole practitioners should consider in meeting new compliance obligations  Tune in now for valuable information on this key reform in 2026.  Host: Neville Birthisel, Advisor, Regulations and Standards, CPA Australia  Guest: Adrian Verdnik, Partner and Section Leader, Banking and Financial Services Practice, Hall & Wilcox. His financial services law practice covers superannuation, managed funds, insurance and financial advice.  Learn more about today's episode guest at the Hall & Wilcox website.  AUSTRAC's site has more information on what accountants need to know about AML and CTF reform.  Additionally, CPA Australia's Public Practice My Firm My Future site has further information on AML and CTF obligations for many practitioners in Australia.  Loving this episode?  Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.  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   Disclaimer:  All works contained in this podcast are not intended to constitute legal or professional advice and may not reflect the views and opinions of CPA Australia. CPA Australia does not warrant or make representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or fitness for purpose of this podcast and disclaims all liability and responsibility for any acts or omissions made in reliance of this podcast. Individuals should seek their own independent legal, financial or other advice for their specific circumstances. 

ASIC on the future of auditing

In 2026, auditors are working in an environment defined by AI technologies, heightened scrutiny, regulatory oversight and ethics demands.  Which is why it's vital that professionals in audit understand this evolving landscape. Additionally, how the regulator ASIC views key issues and what it is focusing on in 2026.  ASIC commissioner Kate O'Rourke is this episode's special guest and she discusses the evolution of audit and financial oversight at a pivotal time.  This episode explores:  The biggest forces currently reshaping the audit and assurance landscape in Australia  The key areas where ASIC expect firms to lift their performance  The role of digital tools, automation and AI in enhancing audit quality, risk detection, and regulatory oversight  The safeguards, ethical standards, and governance structure ASIC expects firms to put in place when integrating advanced analytics or AI into audit processes  Emerging major international trends  How stronger global alignment could shape the future of Australia's audit framework  Capabilities that the next generation of auditors need  How regulators, firms, and professional bodies like CPA Australia can work together to build that future-ready workforce pipeline.  Listen now for expert-led insights from ASIC.  Host: Tiffany Tan, audit and assurance lead, CPA Australia.  Guest: Kate O'Rourke, ASIC commissioner. She previously held senior leadership roles at Treasury and has held executive roles at ASIC overseeing corporate transactions and governance. Kate O'Rourke began her five-year term as an ASIC commissioner in September 2023.  ASIC is Australia's integrated corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit regulator. It is an independent Australian government body.  Head to ASIC online for more information on its senior leadership.  Loving this episode?  Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.  And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career.  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

INTHEBLACK: Do you want to be happier at work? New research shows how

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 toward the negative.  Listeners will learn:  The relationship between happiness and leadership  Positive psychology as a field of research  Research data on happiness and how it's a 'skill'  The key components of developing workplace happiness and contentment  How to recognise 'green-light moments'  Ways to shift out of work-related ruts, regain perspective and avoid catastrophising  This Career Hacks episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for that elusive happiness factor at work.  Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Editor, CPA Australia  Guest: Declan Edwards, happiness researcher, speaker, coach and consultant. He is founder of the BU Happiness College, which has a vision of making the skills and science of happiness more accessible to individuals, organisations and the world.  For more information, head to the BU Happiness College on LinkedIn.  Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.  Click subscribe on the channel to stay updated on the latest episodes.  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