Waterloo alum and PwC leader takes on key role helping to guide the future of SAF
As the newly appointed Chair of the Director's Advisory Council, Lana Paton (BMath ’93) brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to the University of Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance (SAF).
Lana has been with PwC Canada for over 30 years and currently serves as the vice-chair and managing partner of the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario Region and a member of their extended leadership team. Lana has been instrumental in fostering diverse teams and guiding organizations through transformative changes.
The generosity of SAF alum, Lana Paton inspires others to follow suit. Her journey from student to leader exemplifies not only her professional dedication but also her deep-rooted desire to give back to the community that shaped her.
Lana shares her motivations for stepping into this pivotal role, her advice for current students and her reasons for giving back so generously.
Q: What motivated you to step into the role of Chair of the SAF Advisory Council?
Lana: For me, it's about giving back to the school that has given so much to me. Being able to help shape the future direction of the School, knowing what I went through as a student and understanding the needs of the business world today, makes it all worthwhile. It's about being a voice for the future of business education but also about finding meaningful ways to give back.
Q: You're incredibly generous with both your time and financial contributions. Why is supporting SAF so important to you?
Lana: My roots play a big part in that. I'm the daughter of immigrants who came to Canada with nothing and I had to put myself through school. I wouldn’t have been able to attend university without the scholarships I received, so I know firsthand how important financial support is. That's why I set up a scholarship at SAF—to help future students like me. But it’s not just about money, giving my time allows me to help others and continue to impact the business community. SAF has a prestigious reputation and I see the success of its students in the business world. They’re not just academically brilliant; they’re also people-smart and I want to ensure that continues.
Q: Are there any women in the accounting or finance industries that you admire?
Lana: The women I truly admire are not always the visible leaders. They are the ones who take the time to coach, mentor and support others. They lift people up, give them opportunities and offer guidance. Women need that. The strongest women in our profession are the ones who support each other.
Q: Can you share some fond memories from your time at Waterloo?
Lana: My fondest memories are of the connections I made with classmates and professors. The program was tough—there was a lot of work, but I built lifelong friendships. Even though group projects weren’t as common back then, we still worked together. Just recently, I was on a call with a friend from university who’s now a CFO. It’s those relationships that stand out. My tax professors were a big influence too; they’re part of the reason I went into tax.
Q: Do you have any advice for young women who are unsure about their career direction?
Lana: My advice is simple: look for role models, try new things and put yourself out there. Don’t wait for someone to find you and lift you up—it’s a two-way street. Push yourself, be open to learning and seek out opportunities.
Q: With the Women in Accounting and Finance event coming up in November, what are you most excited about?
Lana: I’m looking forward to three things: reconnecting with old friends, making new connections and learning from the panel. I always learn something from these events, regardless of whether the panelists are young or experienced. Learning comes from all different places and being open is so important.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
Lana: I love spending time with my family. As someone with a Greek heritage, family is everything. I also love to travel and experience new cultures. And I enjoy adventure! I’m heading to Whistler next week and might go bungee jumping. It helps me keep things in perspective—if I can handle bungee jumping, dealing with a technical issue at work is a breeze!