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
Five School of Accounting and Finance researchers earn 2026 SSHRC funding
Five researchers at the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) earned more than $408,000 in the 2026 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) competition.
The SAF awards form part of 20 projects across the Faculty of Arts and more than $8 million that University of Waterloo researchers secured across all six faculties.
First SFM cohort paves the way for the future of sustainable business
Meet the cohort that bet on a new kind of professional — and won.
In 2021, 12 students enrolled in a degree that didn't yet have a graduating class, an employer track record, or even a course calendar listing. Today, they cross the convocation stage as the first-ever graduates of the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program — and every single one of them has a next step. Six are heading into the Master of Accounting program, and six have landed full-time roles, five of them directly in sustainability and ESG.
Celebrating the class of 2026: Mahmoud Halloum named SAF valedictorian
Spring Convocation is a time to celebrate the hard work, resilience and achievements of our graduating class. This year, the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is proud to recognize an exceptional group of students who have made their mark at Waterloo and beyond.
Among them is Mahmoud Halloum (BA '26), named SAF's valedictorian for the Class of 2026. Learn about his journey from SAF student to Deloitte analyst and startup founder.
Events
Launch Your Career 2026
Welcome to the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF)!
As a Waterloo SAF student, you are an integral part of our mandatory co-op program, and one of the first steps on your co-op journey is participating in the Launch Your Career (LYC) conference.
Co-op Ready 2026
Welcome to the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF)!
As a 2A SAF student, you are part of a mandatory co-op program, and the Co-op Ready conference is one of the final steps before your co-op applications begin in September.
Blog
SAF in the spotlight: Success in business strategy at ICBC finals weekend
Three Accounting and Financial Management students, Kai, Michael, and John, represented SAF and the University of Waterloo at the 2026 Queen’s Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC).
Read their blog for a glimpse into the SAF student competition experience.
Learnings from the Waterloo VCIC team
This spring, a team of students represented the School of Accounting and Finance at the 2026 Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Bringing home a second place finish, Aiden, Alicia, Kai, Michael, Gurleen and Quynh-Anh reflect on their journey and share their most valuable learnings.
More than matcha: Finding mentorship through SAF’s Fellowship Program
Sometimes, the most meaningful connections begin in the simplest ways.
For Selena and Kailey, Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) students in SAF's Fellowship Program, it started with two cups of matcha and a pistachio lava bun.