The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) tackles global challenges by preparing students to think differently. Going beyond the limits of a traditional business school, SAF redefines what it means to be an accounting and finance professional.
Training future-ready leaders in accounting and finance
The future of accounting and finance is collaborative, interdisciplinary and inclusive. SAF graduates are equipped with the integrity and expertise to tackle the world’s most pressing demands like climate uncertainty, emerging technology and AI. The field is constantly evolving with SAF students leading the change.
Learning beyond the classroom
Through paid co-op, international study and travel opportunities, and hands-on experiences, SAF students are gaining real-world skills through experiential learning to make bold, informed decisions through a global lens.
Business meets AI, tech, innovation and sustainability
Our programs connect accounting and finance with artificial intelligence, data analytics, computer science, sustainability, and innovation to prepare students for a fast-changing world.
Accounting and finance shape decisions in every sector of the economy. As emerging technologies and AI transform the world, the need for ethical, adaptable problem-solvers has never been greater. It is also essential to consider the impacts on people, communities, and the environment alongside financial goals, so that decisions create fair and sustainable outcomes. At SAF, we’re preparing graduates to meet that challenge, leading with insight, integrity, and impact on the issues that matter most.
News
The False Promise of ESG
Millions of investors and countless fund managers direct their investments to companies that are highly-rated on the basis of their environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) activities in an attempt to do good. The claim by ESG advocates, pundits, and many academics that highly-rated ESG companies and funds also deliver superior returns bolsters this move: Doing better by doing good. The best of all worlds.
But do ESG ratings really deliver on the promise? Are highly-ranked ESG businesses really more caring of the environment, more selective of the societies in which they operate, and more focused on countries with good corporate governance? In short, is ESG really good? The answer is no.
Women in A&F Global Summit with Carol Leaman
Like International Women’s Day, the Women in Accounting and Finance Global Summit events serve to inspire current students and young alums in amplifying the importance of female leadership and perspectives in business. The 2021 Global Summit event for the Women in Accounting & Finance panel discussion brought together three School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) alums to share their career stories and answer questions from event attendees.
Celebrating alumni achievements on International Women’s Day
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias, calling people to imagine a gender-equal world free of stereotypes, bias and discrimination. This is also a day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Blog
Leveraging opportunities early on in our undergraduate career
In December 2021, we competed in the second annual Interactive Business Dashboard Competition (IBDC), a competition sponsored by the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Information Integrity and Information System Assurance (UW CISA). Our task was to develop an interactive business dashboard for a toy store retailer, TTS, where the company can monitor their own performance.
Reflecting on a successful journey in SIF with Isaac W.
The Student Investment Fund (SIF) is where students receive hands-on training in investment management and work together to manage a portfolio of Canadian and American equities, with the guidance from faculty members and industry professionals. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of this student-led initiative this year, we spoke to Isaac W. (4B AFM student) who was the chief executive officer (CEO) in the Fall 2021 term, about his experience being a part of the fund during multiple study terms.
How I am breaking gender barriers through Women in Finance
Hi everyone! I’m Claire, a first-year student in the new Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program at the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF). I am also the communications executive for the Women in Finance (WIF) team. I was introduced to WIF as I was preparing for my first year at Waterloo, and I was immediately drawn to the idea of a team dedicated to educating and breaking barriers for women in the finance industry. As someone who would be directly affected by these barriers, I wanted the opportunity to tackle them head-on.