Sustainability and Financial Management
See business differently
In today’s business world, sustainability is non-negotiable. Why? Because the world is changing, and companies that don’t keep up get left behind. In the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program, you’ll learn how to connect money with meaning. You'll become the kind of accountant, analyst or financial leader who understands the real impact behind every dollar, every policy and every decision. Learn how to innovate, measure success and help businesses stay competitive in a fast-changing world.
This one-of-a-kind program is offered by the School of Accounting and Finance in partnership with the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED).
Graduate with a Bachelor of Sustainability and Financial Management degree
Gain 16 months of experience and earn an average of $16,000 per work term
Direct route to a CPA or CFA professional designation in as little as five years
Courses
Your studies will ground you in core accounting and finance concepts through a sustainability lens. Through hands-on learning, you’ll build the human side of business, thinking critically, collaborating confidently and making ethical decisions, while gaining the skills to drive financial, social and environmental impact.
You’ll also learn the technology behind sustainable business. With digital tools and an analytical mindset built into the SFM curriculum, you’ll be able to measure, manage and report on sustainability performance, and use data and innovation to make smarter, more responsible decisions.
As you progress, you’ll shape your path through one of three specializations: Corporate Sustainability (CPA-focused), Government Policy and Financial Markets (CFA-focused) or Indigenous Entrepreneurship.
Sample first-year courses:
Fall term
Analytic Methods for Business 1
Introduction to Sustainability and Financial Management
Economics and Sustainability 1
Winter term
Analytic Methods for Business 2
Introduction to Financial Reporting and Managerial Decision Making 2
Introduction to Global Financial Markets
Environmental
Tackling climate change takes more than new technology; it needs financial strategy. From clean energy to zero-waste design, accounting and finance play a key role in assessing risk, driving innovation and guiding businesses toward sustainable solutions and a low-carbon future.
Social
Building fair, inclusive workplaces takes more than good intentions. From better labour practices to stronger communities, social progress needs data and strategy. With accounting and finance, you can shape policy, measure impact and make sure organizations walk the talk.
Governance
Strong governance keeps businesses ethical, transparent and resilient. It’s about more than compliance; it’s about trust. With expertise in accounting and finance, you can help companies report honestly, manage risk and align executive decisions with long-term sustainability goals.
Co-op: Learn it. Live it.
With a 100% co-op success rate, you’ll gain 16 months of real-world experience in roles like ESG analysis, climate risk reporting and sustainable investing. Students earn an average of $16,000 per work-term, with some making as much as $31,200. Your cross-disciplinary expertise will prepare you for careers in sustainability-focused roles as well as traditional accounting and finance positions at Big Four firms and leading organizations.
"SFM uniquely equips me to connect issues in sustainability, accounting, and finance. In my 200+ member co-op team at a leading firm, only 5 people had this background, three of them in SFM." - Harrison (he/him), SFM student
"The co-op team was right there, providing the exact support I needed, which helped me believe that not only were my dreams achievable, but that I was also capable of pursuing even bigger aspirations." - Rachael (she/they), SFM student
"SFM prepared me well for my co-op in Sustainability Reporting & Assurance at a Big Four firm. I've gained important soft skills and knowledge to create a solid base to flourish in the workplace!" Michelle (she/her), SFM student
Community
In SFM, you’re part of a unique and inclusive community that mixes the best of two worlds. Connect with peers, faculty members, staff and mentors from the SAF and the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development. Through clubs and events, you’ll collaborate across disciplines and develop the perspective and experience needed to lead change where it matters most.
Stay connected
Follow us on social media to see what SFM is really like. Check out student takeovers, co-op tips, campus life, and how sustainability, accounting and finance come together in the real world. Don’t miss out.