Greetings to all Master of Taxation (MTax) alumni!
We hope you’ll continue the strong connection you've built with the School of Accounting and Finance and the University of Waterloo during your time in the MTax program.
Our alumni community plays an important role in shaping the future of MTax — by sharing experiences, mentoring others, and showcasing the many paths an MTax degree can lead to.
Meet our featured alumni
Discover how MTax graduates have applied their learning beyond the classroom. These featured alumni share why they chose the program, how it supported their professional growth, and where their careers have taken them since graduation.
Their stories highlight the rigour, flexibility, and real‑world relevance of the MTax experience and offer a glimpse into what’s possible for future students considering a career in tax.
Bonnie Long (MTax ’08)
My time in the Master of Taxation program at the University of Waterloo was both intellectually rewarding and professionally transformative.
The program provided a rigorous foundation in Canadian tax law, policy, and practice, blending technical depth with practical application. Through intensive coursework, case-based learning, and exposure to real-world tax issues, I developed strong analytical skills and a strategic understanding of how taxation influences business decisions.
The faculty’s in-depth expertise, combined with the program’s close ties to the accounting and tax community, enriched my experience and broadened my perspective on the evolving tax landscape.
Overall, the program strengthened my technical capabilities, sharpened my professional judgment, and reinforced my passion for the tax field. It remains a meaningful and enjoyable phase of my academic and career journey.
Justin Wong (MTax ’17)
I am an alumnus of the Master of Taxation program, which I completed part-time while working full-time. The program strengthened my technical foundation and refined how I approach complex tax issues in practical, commercial contexts.
Tax is inherently dynamic, shaped by constant legislative and regulatory change. The program emphasized developing strong research skills, thoughtful interpretation of the law, and sound professional judgment. Those capabilities remain essential throughout a career, enabling tax professionals to navigate uncertainty, respond to change with confidence, and lead responsibly in complex environments.
Just as meaningful were the relationships built with a cohort of accomplished peers. The depth of discussion and shared commitment to the profession made the experience both challenging and rewarding. It provided not only technical depth, but a perspective that continues to inform my approach to tax and leadership.
Yahui Zhu (MTax ’18)
I attended the MTax program with a simple goal: to pivot my career from accounting into tax. Looking back, the program offered much more than a career transition.
By tasking us with systematically learning the complex subject matter underlying the Canadian income tax system, the program gave me the opportunity to learn how to learn independently, rigorously, and with discipline. It also instilled a strong work ethic built on structured thinking and sustained effort. The self‑directed learning mindset and work ethic have shaped many areas of my life beyond my professional work.
They continue to guide me in my attempt to find signals in an increasingly noisy world. The MTax program was transformative for me and hopefully for many more alumni who are willing to put in the effort.