Dr. Adam Vitalis is the new Director of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) at the University of Waterloo. He begins a four-year term, effective immediately.
Vitalis is a familiar face at SAF. He joined the School in 2017 and is a Professor and Director of the Hub for Sustainability Integration. Students know him from his audit strategy and internal audit courses, and his research explores how people make judgements and decisions in audit, financial reporting and sustainability settings.
He also knows the profession from the inside. Before academia, Vitalis spent more than 13 years in industry, including roles as an auditor at Deloitte and as an accountant in film and television, and plans to bring that unique combination of skills and experience to his perspective as Director. He holds a PhD in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of San Diego.
As Director, Vitalis will prioritize a strong research focus and guide the School through a period of change.
"Strong research makes everything else we do better, from what we teach to how we serve the profession," says Vitalis. "As the School navigates change, I want us to build on that strength together with our students, staff, colleagues and alumni. I'm honoured to lead SAF."
Vitalis succeeds Dr. Blake Phillips, who led SAF from 2022 to 2026. The SAF community thanks Dr. Phillips for his leadership and congratulates Vitalis as he steps into the role.