News

After more than 15 years at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Blake Phillips is stepping down as Director of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) to become Dean of the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge. 

Before he goes, his colleagues, staff and friends at SAF want to mark the moment and thank him for everything he has given the School.

The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) unveiled a commissioned three-panel Indigenous mural in the Don Craig Atrium in Hagey Hall on August 11, placing the Haudenosaunee Sky Woman creation story in permanent view at the centre of the School.

The tax landscape is evolving rapidly, making cross-sector collaboration and lifelong professional connections more vital than ever.

The newly launched Master of Taxation (MTax) Alumni Network is designed to bring together SAF’s global community of tax leaders to share knowledge and support the next generation.

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.

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.

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.

The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) brought together over 100 donors, alumni, students and faculty at the 2026 SAF Alumni Excellence Gala for an evening celebrating achievement, leadership and community.

The gala honoured the outstanding achievements and milestones earned across the SAF community over the past year — from alumni making their mark at the highest levels of their fields, to students representing Waterloo on the world stage in competition against the best and brightest universities globally.

Adnan Khan (MAcc ’17), co-founder and co-CEO of Viva Talent, is being recognized with the School of Accounting and Finance’s 2025 Leader to Watch Award. From launching his first social venture as a student to building a global talent platform, Khan’s work is rooted in expanding access to opportunity.

A committed member of the SAF community, Khan continues to give back through mentorship and support for student initiatives. His journey reflects a belief in the power of relationships, curiosity and creating pathways for others to succeed.

New research from Kaishu Wu, Professor at the School of Accouting and Finance, explores how political connections can influence the penalties companies face in foreign bribery cases.

Analyzing 151 U.S. enforcement cases over 25 years, the study raises broader questions about fairness and transparency in anti-corruption law.

From first-generation student to senior RBC leader, Troy Maxwell (MAcc ’89) has spent his career driving results and helping organizations evolve. In recognition of his contributions to the banking industry and his ongoing support of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), he has received the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.

Throughout his career, Maxwell has championed mentorship, broad thinking and continuous learning — values shaped during his time at Waterloo. Today, he continues to give back to SAF and its students, helping to inspire the next generation of finance leaders.