Future students

Patricia O’Malley (LLD ’16) was appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

She is a globally respected leader in financial reporting, having played a pivotal role in the development and international adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards.

The Fall 2025 AFM 334 International Study Course class explored New York City through iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and meetings with leading firms across finance, media, and law. From Times Square and Broadway to Wall Street and the NYSE, the trip blended sightseeing with real-world business insights.

Read their blog for a behind-the-scenes look at how students navigated and learned in the Concrete Jungle.

AFM 334's study trip to New York City took a turn when the first stop on their list was cancelled due to a coastal flood warning.

This unexpected change in plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading to one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip.

Graduate studies aren’t just about earning a degree — they’re about asking deeper questions, gaining new perspectives and shaping conversations that reach far beyond the classroom.

This month, we’re spotlighting Jillian Adams (PhD ’24), a School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) alum whose passion for tax policy and pursuit of a PhD shows how curiosity can be turned into impact.

This year’s Fusion Conference highlighted the growing connection between the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) and the Faculty of Science.

With interdisciplinary teams combining scientific insight, business strategy, and financial thinking, Fusion was a clear showcase of how these two academic worlds strengthen one another.

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.