How to handle a conflict of interest

How to handle a conflict of interest

From INTHEBLACK by CPA Australia

April 30, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

This episode explores how accountants can manage conflicts of interest to uphold trust in the profession.

As accountants, c onflicts of interest can arise. Some say they are unavoidable. But knowing how to manage them is cru cial. 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 disclosure is not enough and stronger action is needed how to distinguish between manageable and unacceptable conflicts practical frameworks to identify and assess conflicts in real time the role of professional judgement and organisational culture Drawing on the current codes of ethics and the everyday ethics issues discussed i n INTHEBLACK, th is expert-led discussion focuses on practical decision-making in situations that are rarely clear cut. This episode will help you respond with confidence and integrity. Tune in now. Host : Tahn Sharpe , E ditor, CPA Australia Guest s : Dr Michelle Cull FCPA, A ssociate P rofessor and H ead of D iscipline, A ccounting and F inancial P lanning at Western Sydney University , and…

People in this episode

Host: Tahn Sharpe

Guests: Dr Michelle Cull FCPA, Belinda Zohrab

Topics covered

  • conflict of interest
  • accounting ethics
  • professional judgement
  • client relationships
  • commercial pressures
  • decision-making

Keywords

  • conflict of interest
  • accountants
  • ethics
  • professional standards
  • decision-making
  • trust
  • client relationships

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CPA Australia, Western Sydney University

More episodes of INTHEBLACK

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the INTHEBLACK podcast page.