Current students

SAF recently hosted “Be The Future”, a conference that gave highschool students a chanve to step into the shoes of tomorrows business leaders, tackling hands-on challeneges, participating in expert panel discussions and exploring how technology, AI, science and sustainability are reshaping the way business are done.

Seven graduates from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) Master of Accounting program have earned a spot on Ontario’s 2025 CFE National Honour Roll.

Representing nearly one-third of all Honour Roll writers in the province, this achievement highlights our students' strong technical foundation and confidence to navigate the complexities of today’s accounting landscape.

Benjie Thomas (PDAcc '98), CEO of KPMG in Canada returned to the University of Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance where he was recognized for his longstanding generosity to the University and shared valuable career insights with the next generation of accounting and finance professionals. 

Jatinder Bassi (MAcc ’10), President of Echelon Insurance, reflects on continuous learning, leadership growth and the mindset shifts that supported his journey from accounting and finance roles to executive leadership.

In this Q&A, he shares practical career insights and advice for the next generation of business leaders.

Entrepreneurship is more than launching a business—it’s about solving problems, embracing risk, and building something meaningful from the ground up. This month, we’re spotlighting two inspiring alumni from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) who have turned their passions and professional experiences into thriving ventures. 

Their journeys from corporate roles to entrepreneurial leadership highlight the resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking that Waterloo alumni bring to the business world.  

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Beyond the boardroom: SAF alumni bridging industry and academia

by Hailee L., Digital Marketing and Content Associate

In honour of World Teachers’ Day this month, the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is celebrating alumni who have returned to the classroom—bringing the lessons they’ve learned in industry back to where their own journeys began.  

Balancing careers in both business and academia, our alumni bridge theory and practice, offering their insights and experiences to give our students a firsthand look at how classroom concepts come to life in real-world settings. 

Leading the International Study Course trip class through three days of cultural exploration in Hong Kong, the Marketing and Culture team reflects on the breathtaking sights, delicious food and vibrant culture they were able to immerse themselves in when they weren't in meetings with leaders of global businesses, building life-long memories in the process.

Having recently returned from the spring International Study Course trip to Hong Kong, the Meals and Logistics team reflects on their experience working behind the scenes to keep the trip running smoothly from coordinating travel plans, restaurants, meeting times and everything in between.