Experience Matters
At the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), we're not training accounting and financial professionals. We're inspiring the next generation of leaders who will help drive change in all areas of society by redefining what it means to be an accounting and financial professional.
SAF's world-class faculty, standard-setting curriculum and research, wealth of experiential learning opportunities attract inquisitive and agile minds who think like an entrepreneur to identify new opportunities, solve complex problems and make courageous business and financial decisions. SAF offers five distinct undergraduate programs to bring unique perspectives to business problems. SAF students and graduates create value by combining a management, mathematical, scientific, computer science, or sustainable mindset to their financial management expertise.
Embedded in Waterloo's culture of innovation, SAF students and faculty tap into and contribute to the resources that inspires cross-disciplinary collaboration to push their expertise into new territories. Our alumni and faculty reach the top of their fields and shape the industry through a global perspective that champions innovation and courage. Our close ties with governing bodies and business allows us to lead the professions forward while transforming them.
At SAF we're always moving forward. We don't wait for change to come or react to it. We create it to turn opportunity to reality.
of AFM, Biotech/CPA, CFM, Math/CPA, and MAcc grads are employed full-time within 6 months of graduation
SAF grads have received the CPA National Gold Medal since 2010
Canadian team to capture the Global Championship at the CFA Investment Research Challenge
News
Greenwashing or genuine? How investors and the public can tell the difference
As Earth Day prompts reflection on sustainability, Dr. Elizabeth Demers, professor at the School of Accounting and Finance, helps unpack the complexities of greenwashing in corporate reporting in this insightful Q&A. From new legislation to misleading ESG scores, learn why spotting the difference between real and performative environmental action is more important—and more complicated—than ever.
Building a greener future: Alumni leading the way in sustainable finance
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, we reflect on the growing need for environmental consciousness in the finance industry, highlighting SAF alumni who have been driving sustainable change since before it was mainstream.
Meet Ivan Li and Munam Khan—trailblazers in sustainable finance who are using their accounting and finance expertise to help organizations navigate climate risk, report on ESG, and build a better future.
Bridging science and business: Thomas A. Blakelock High School I-STEM students shine in University of Waterloo presentations
The University of Waterloo's Science and Business (SCBUS) program partnered with Thomas A. Blakelock High School's I-STEM program during the 2024-2025 academic year to provide grade 10 students with a unique opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial projects that addressed global challenges, blending scientific inquiry with business acumen.
Blog
From aerospace challenges to ethical solutions: Our experience at McGill
Near the end of March, SAF's team of fourth-year students, Abisha (AFM), Colette (SFM), Dhiya (SFM), and Lucas (SFM), had the opportunity to represent the University of Waterloo for the first time at the McGill Desautels Business Ethics Case Competition in Montreal.
Representing Waterloo at the Van Berkom John Molson Small-Cap Case Competition
On March 22–23, our team of 3rd year students, Jei, Nishan, Tianna ( AFM), and Anoosha ( Biotech/CPA), had the opportunity to represent the University of Waterloo at the Van Berkom John Molson Small-Cap Case Competition, hosted at Concordia University in Montreal. The competition brought together students from across North America to pitch investment ideas for small-cap public companies over two fast-paced, high-intensity days.
Our journey to ACHIEVE 2025
In January, our team of third-year students, Michelle, Madison, Jaiden, and Bonita, had the exciting opportunity to represent the University of Waterloo at the ACHIEVE Case Competition in Toronto!