Former KPMG Demographics partner Bernard Salt explains what he really meant with his smashed avocado comments, much to the satisfaction of our brunch enthusiast editor, Katarina Taurian. He also talks about how he managed to effectively launch a start-up within a big four firm, in the form of KPMG Demographics, with advice to those looking to take similar chances in their own careers. Bernard's predictions for the future of Australia's property markets paint a good picture for small to medium accounting firms in particular, and he's confident of commercial opportunities outside of capital city CBDs despite of current infrastructure barriers.

In his trademark blunt style, BGL's Ron Lesh talks to editor Katarina Taurian about what the new reporting obligations for SMSFs mean in 2018, and why he wasn't happy with how the some of the accounting bodies handled their consultation approach. He also takes a swing at the evolution of online marketing in the accounting software space, and gives insight to BGL's approach to software and marketing development in 2018 and beyond.

Sponsored podcast: In this episode of the Accountants Daily podcast, we discuss the ever-growing issue of cyber security for Australian accountants, and the legislative triggers that mean putting risk mitigation strategies in place is no longer optional. Joined by Karen McDonald, Associate Director of Professional Risk at Accountancy Insurance, editor Katarina Taurian examines what a cyber security threat looks like in 2017, and how accountants can protect themselves and their clients from a data breach. www.accountantsdaily.com.au

The lending landscape for accounting firms in Australia is in new territory, with specialist and alternative lenders getting significant attention and traction with SMEs in particular. Partner at Standard Integrated Lending, Tony Caine, spoke to Katarina Taurian gives his assessment of the where the opportunities are for savvy firms, and where the market is likely to head in the years to come. He also talks through what it's like working with accountants who have distinctly different goals, deadlines and client bases to other professionals, and where he thinks the smart operators have got it right. www.accountantsdaily.com.au

The leadership crisis at CPA Australia has had a ripple effect in the Australian accounting industry, prompting professional associations to review their disclosure procedures and annual reporting. Chief executive of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), Andrew Conway, speaks to Accountants Daily editor Katarina Taurian about the changes he’s now making at the association. For the first time, Mr Conway shares his frank assessment of CPA’s evolution and descent, and what accounting leaders and professionals alike can learn now that the dust is - finally - beginning to settle. www.accountantsdaily.com.au

The government fired warning shots in the May federal budget about a tax office blitz on the top 1000 firms in Australia, and it has stuck to its word. In fact, according to Thomson Reuters managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Ben Scull, the ATO is set to speed up its surveillance. Speaking to Katarina Taurian, Ben explains which companies are in the firing line, and what they should be expecting from the regulator. In Ben’s words, there’s “quite a bit” of information that firms will need to produce to satisfy the ATO. Ben also talks about his vision for tax reform in Australia, and why some of the taxes that don’t get the broader public’s green light are often the ones most in need of a shake-up.

Listen in to this week's episode as Katarina Taurian gets past Practice Ignition chief executive Guy Pearson's incredibly laid back exterior to discuss the fast-paced, aggressive, and optimistic life he leads to fuel his ever-growing start-up. Guy talks about how moves in his early career as an accountant taught him the joys and frustrations small businesses face every day, and how he funnelled that into a vision that is taking him across Australia and into the European and North American markets. With a few cheeky stabs at his "stunt double" Trent McLaren thrown into the mix, Guy also talked through how he pushes through industry resistance, backlash and mudslinging to keep his eyes on the prize. www.accountantsdaily.com.au

Compared to other professional services, the job market for accountants in Australia has been solid in recent years. Hays regional director for accountancy and finance, David Cawley, speaks to Katarina Taurian about where the next bursts of activity will be, and which professionals will have the upper hand with their salary negotiations. He also talks through the blunders good candidates make, both when they are actively searching for a new role and while they hold employment. In some cases, the blurring of personal and professional lives have cost otherwise perfect candidates their ideal role. http://www.accountantsdaily.com.au

"Horrified expressions" are increasingly becoming a thing of the past with accountants when it comes to creating a competitive and modern marketing and pricing strategy. Mayflower Consulting's managing director Sarah Penn speaks to Accountants Daily editor Katarina Taurian about the green shoots she sees on a daily basis with accountants who are positioning their practices for growth and succession. She shares her insight to what successful accounting businesses, and Australian small businesses in general, are doing to make sure they are communicating with their client base effectively and charging them in a competitive and sustainable way. http://www.accountantsdaily.com.au

As members of parliament are fast coming to grips with, Australians can hold foreign citizenship without being aware of it. Your clients could have US citizenship without necessarily realising it, having never lived in or been born in the US. Partner at Moodys Gartner, Roy Berg, speaks to Accountants Daily editor Katarina Taurian about the dizzying level of detail you need to be aware of for your clients who are US citizens, or Australian citizens with ties or investments in the US. Mr Berg gives his five top areas to look out for when assessing your client’s situation, and accountants will be surprised at the “honest mistakes from honest people” that might be lingering in your client base. http://www.accountantsdaily.com.au