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.

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 [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/public-practice/inpractice/practice-management/aml-ctf-legislation-legal-lowdown-looming-rules]. 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/austrac/] 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

New AML reforms and what they mean for accountants

AI has become one of the most-used business technologies. But delve deeper into the biz tech data and there's another story to be told.

In the latest CPA Australia Business Technology Report, 89 per cent of respondents said their organisation used AI in 2025, up from 69 per cent in 2024 and 55 per cent in 2023.

Yet only 16 per cent report that AI is fully embedded across their operations.

Most teams are still experimenting, often relying on free or basic tools rather than structured, strategic adoption. The gap between usage and true integration points to significant untapped potential.

Many core finance and operational processes are still only lightly digitised, despite clear opportunities for efficiency, clarity and improved decision-making.

This episode examines how finance and accounting teams can use AI to strengthen systems and create capacity where it matters most.

Drawing on the survey's findings, you'll hear how top-performing businesses integrate AI across their workflows and why mindset, curiosity and practical governance underpin successful adoption.

Gain a grounded view of how firms apply AI in everyday workflows, supported by data from CPA Australia's annual tech and business report.

Listen now for practical steps to help your business integrate AI.

Host: Gavan Ord [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/], Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia

Guest: Kyelie Baxter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyelie-baxter-fcpa-43224334/] FCPA, Managing Director, IQ Accountants

The CPA Australia Business Technology Report 2025 [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/-/media/project/cpa/corporate/documents/tools-and-resources/business-management/business-management-research/business-technology-report-2025.pdf] is a valuable resource for those who want the latest tech usage trends by business.

Additionally, this YouTube webinar Securing the Future: AI, Cybersecurity & the Road to Tech-Driven Growth [https://www.youtube.com/live/uaFNQC88hro?si=Qg7NeXE5qPHiTXUk] has related insights with industry experts and technology leaders discussing the latest trends, challenges and strategies in building tech-forward organisations.

And for more on this episode's guest, head to IQ Accountants on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/iq-accountants/].

Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts]

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:

How smart AI integration is reshaping business performance

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 Super is happening and the benefits of this change to employees.

Key takeaways include:

 * How cash flow, payroll systems and compliance will be affected by this change

 * The closure of the Small Business Super Clearinghouse (SBSCH)

 * How the seven-day payment rule will work for missing payments

 * Practical steps accountants can take to help prepare clients early

Listen now for expert advice to help you prepare for the changes coming soon to superannuation in Australia.

Host: Tahn Sharpe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahn-sharpe/], Editor, INTHEBLACK

Guests:

Kristen Yarbrough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-yarbrough-2151b1190/], Product Manager at CloudPayroll

Gavan Ord [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/], Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia

Richard Webb, Superannuation Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia

Payday Super explained ahead of 2026 rollout

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 decision-making and reducing capital costs.

Listeners will learn:

 * How structured data improves accountability and investor confidence

 * Why global markets already mandate digital reporting standards

 * The link between digital disclosure and lower capital costs

 * How AI will enhance – not replace – digital reporting workflows

 * What Australian policymakers can learn from global peers

Learn why CPA Australia is recommending a mandate for digital reporting by listed entities in this expert-led discussion.

Listen now.

Host: Ram Subramanian, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ram-subramanian-75896b35/] External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia

Guest:

Digital reporting: Why it's time for Australia

In this special episode of With Interest, CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland sits down with Australia's Auditor General, Dr Caralee McLiesh, for an exclusive fireside chat on public sector challenges. 

The conversation builds on Dr McLiesh's keynote address on performance management in the Commonwealth public sector, drawing on insights from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) annual report, released in September 2025. 

The discussion took place following a roundtable lunch in Canberra on 5 August 2025, where CPA Australia convened senior public sector leaders to hear Dr McLiesh's keynote before she joined Chris Freeland to expand on the key themes. 

Listen now. 

Speakers: Dr Caralee McLiesh, Auditor-General of Australia and Chris Freeland, CEO, CPA Australia.

You can listen to the keynote speech [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/accounting-issues/assessing-public-sector-performance-management] from the roundtable in full by Australia's [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/accounting-issues/assessing-public-sector-performance-management] https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/accounting-issues/assessing-public-sector-performance-managementAuditor-General, Dr Caralee McLiesh [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/accounting-issues/assessing-public-sector-performance-management].

For more information about the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) head to its website. [https://www.anao.gov.au/] 

And you can learn more about Dr Caralee McLiesh's career from this PMC statement following her announcement as Australia's auditor general in 2024. [https://www.pmc.gov.au/news/statement-secretary-appointment-auditor-general]  

Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts]  

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/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] 

Fireside chat with Australia&#x27;s Auditor General

In this special With Interest episode, you can listen in full to a keynote speech by Australia’s Auditor-General, Dr Caralee McLiesh.

The speech focuses on performance management in the Commonwealth public sector, drawing on some of the many findings in the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) annual report, released in September 2025.

The Auditor-General addresses the state of performance management 10 years after the introduction of the Public Governance Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act of 2013. In her speech, she highlights three key areas where the framework's full potential has yet to be realised.

CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland brought together senior leaders from across the public sector for a roundtable lunch in the nation’s capital on August 5, 2025, where the Auditor-General gave this insightful keynote.

Listen now.

Speaker: Dr Caralee McLiesh, Auditor-General of Australia

For more information about the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) head to its website. [https://www.anao.gov.au/]

And you can learn more about Dr Caralee McLiesh’s career from this PMC statement following her announcement as Australia’s auditor general in 2024. [https://www.pmc.gov.au/news/statement-secretary-appointment-auditor-general]

Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts]

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/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/intheblack]

Search for them in your podcast platform.

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Assessing public sector performance management

How does the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ensure tax fairness when dealing with large corporations.

In this episode, the Deputy Commissioner, Public Groups, at the ATO explains how the tax office works to promote transparency, accountability and compliance in the large market sector.

This discussion sheds light on how the ATO’s strategic approach supports both corporate confidence and public trust.

Some of the key areas covered include: 

 * Current state of the large business market 

 * The Tax Avoidance Taskforce 

 * Key trends in compliance 

 * Overall relationship between large businesses and the tax system 

 * Dispute resolution 

 * The introduction of public country-by-country reporting 

How the ATO and big business work together

In part two of this With Interest conversation, experts David Bradbury, Paul Tilley, Dale Pinto and Jenny Wong discuss the global tax reform debate, unpacking the challenges and opportunities facing Australia.

Key takeaways include:

 * Why OECD Pillar Two still has a fighting chance
 * The impact of dividend imputation on tax reform
 * Why stamp duty is a critical state-level issue
 * How tariffs vs VAT reflect shifting US tax policy
 * International best practices to boost investor confidence.

From corporate tax rate dilemmas to economic nationalism, this episode explores how geopolitical tensions and tax complexity are reshaping the future of taxation.

The discussion was held at CPA Australia’s inaugural Tax Forum in August 2025.

Listen now.

Hosts: Jenny Wong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-wong-3b3b4a2a/], Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia and Dale Pinto [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-pinto-60351b20/?originalSubdomain=au], Global President and Chair of CPA Australia

Guests: David Bradbury [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bradbury-aus/], partner at KPMG Australia, former Federal Minister and Assistant Treasurer, former Deputy Director of the OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration

Paul Tilley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tilley-277b9573/?originalSubdomain=au], former economic advisor to Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and author of Mixed Fortunes: A History of Tax Reform in Australia.

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website.

Missed part one? Find it here [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/accounting-issues/australian-tax-reform-and-fiscal-sustainability].

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StyJDF6XaEA]

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/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/intheblack]

Search for them in your podcast platform. 

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Tax Forum 2025: Geopolitics and global reform

Australia’s tax system is under pressure.

In part one of this With Interest conversation, Jenny Wong is joined by two of the country’s leading voices in tax policy — David Bradbury and Paul Tilley. Together, they explore the structural flaws in Australia’s tax system, the economic and political barriers to reform and the urgent need for a tax mix shift.

Key takeaways include:

 * Why Australia’s tax system may not be fit for “dangerous times"
 * The single biggest structural flaw in Australia’s tax system today
 * The risks of over-reliance on personal income tax
 * How capital income tax impacts productivity and investment
 * Why Australia has gone 25 years without meaningful change

From capital taxation challenges to the erosion of GST revenue, this conversation offers deep insights into the future of tax reform in Australia.

The discussion was held at CPA Australia’s inaugural Tax Forum in August 2025.

Listen now.

Host: Jenny Wong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-wong-3b3b4a2a/], Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia

Guests: David Bradbury [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bradbury-aus/], partner at KPMG Australia, former Federal Minister and Assistant Treasurer, former Deputy Director of the OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration

Paul Tilley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tilley-277b9573/?originalSubdomain=au], former economic advisor to Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and author of Mixed Fortunes: A History of Tax Reform in Australia.

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website.

Stay tuned for part two as David Bradbury, Paul Tilley, Dale Pinto and Jenny Wong discuss the global tax reform debate, unpacking the challenges and opportunities facing Australia. Coming soon.

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StyJDF6XaEA]

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/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/intheblack]

Search for them in your podcast platform. 

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Tax Forum 2025: Australian tax reform and fiscal sustainability

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 school – and harnessing gamification – sparks lifelong curiosity. 

 * How AI is reshaping (not replacing) accounting jobs, and what skillsets are essential for today’s graduates. 

 * Real-world strategies to build an engaged and future-proofed accounting team. 

If you’re in business or accounting leadership, don’t miss these actionable insights to help understand and elevate the profession’s future. 

Host: Elinor Kasapidis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-kasapidis-00852765/], Chief of Policy, Standards and External affairs, CPA Australia 

Guest: Bruce Vivian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-vivian/], Head of Accountancy Education, IFAC 

Attracting accountants: How to future-proof the profession

The CPA Australia Podcast brings you the best in on-demand commentary and thought leadership across a variety of topics related to business, leadership and accounting. Each week, our podcast will help you increase your knowledge of business related topics and point you to some of the world’s best resources in strategy, finance and public practice accounting. Never miss an episode by subscribing today via iTunes.

CPA Podcast Team

Shows