The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) tackles global challenges by preparing students to think differently. Going beyond the limits of a traditional business school, SAF redefines what it means to be an accounting and finance professional.
Training future-ready leaders in accounting and finance
The future of accounting and finance is collaborative, interdisciplinary and inclusive. SAF graduates are equipped with the integrity and expertise to tackle the world’s most pressing demands like climate uncertainty, emerging technology and AI. The field is constantly evolving with SAF students leading the change.
Learning beyond the classroom
Through paid co-op, international study and travel opportunities, and hands-on experiences, SAF students are gaining real-world skills through experiential learning to make bold, informed decisions through a global lens.
Business meets AI, tech, innovation and sustainability
Our programs connect accounting and finance with artificial intelligence, data analytics, computer science, sustainability, and innovation to prepare students for a fast-changing world.
Accounting and finance shape decisions in every sector of the economy. As emerging technologies and AI transform the world, the need for ethical, adaptable problem-solvers has never been greater. It is also essential to consider the impacts on people, communities, and the environment alongside financial goals, so that decisions create fair and sustainable outcomes. At SAF, we’re preparing graduates to meet that challenge, leading with insight, integrity, and impact on the issues that matter most.
News
First SFM cohort paves the way for the future of sustainable business
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.
Celebrating the class of 2026: Mahmoud Halloum named SAF valedictorian
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.
Giving back and paying it forward — an evening at the 2026 SAF Alumni Excellence Gala
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.
Blog
From classrooms to boardrooms in Germany
From river cruises in Frankfurt to boardroom discussions with global firms, our International Study Course (AFM 334) team's recent trip to Germany challenged them to bring their classroom knowledge to life and make the most of this unique study experience.
While real-world corporate meetings initially felt daunting, the team reflects on how their creative preparation methods turned each session into an opportunity for learning — from Digital Euro at the European Central Bank to credit risk at Munich Re.
Learning through uncertainty: AI research in the SAF Fellowship Program
In his final year of the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program, Joel P. took on a Research Assistant role through the SAF Fellowship Program where he had the opportunity to explore one of today’s fastest-evolving spaces: artificial intelligence (AI).
Analyzing and comparing AI tools alongside Professor Efrim Boritz, Joel's experience was defined by open-ended problem-solving and the kind of ownership rarely found in a classroom. He reflects on how the role shaped his academic and professional path, and why his advice to first-years is simple: you have more time than you think.
Alles gut?/All good? Teamwork versus twist and turns in Germany
From coordinating corporate visits with global firms to navigating train schedules across Germany, the Winter 2026 International Study Course (AFM334) trip to Germany was powered by School of Accounting and Finance students taking on different responsibilities behind the scenes.
While each team entered the trip with clearly defined roles, the experience quickly became one of collaboration, quick thinking and supporting one another through unexpected twists and turns.