News

Blake Phillips, Director of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), joined Velocity in welcoming The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions).

During the visit, Phillips highlighted the value of SAF's Student Venture Fund, which gives students the valuable opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurship and venture capital while they’re still in school.

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.

Each year, the University of Waterloo recognizes exceptional alumni from each faculty and school with Alumni Awards. Recipients from 2025, Troy Maxwell (BA ’89, MAcc ’89) and Adnan Khan (BAFM ’17, MAcc ’17), are highlighted for their professional achievements, leadership and community impact.

Visit the 2025 Alumni Awards page for a full list of recipients.

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.

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.

As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the milestones, stories, and achievements that shaped the year at the School of Accounting and Finance.

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.

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.