News

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. 

First-year students in the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program planted 100 native trees and shrubs on the University’s north campus as part of the annual micro-forest planting with Sustainable Waterloo Region.

The event connected students with sustainability in practice while highlighting the program’s unique blend of accounting, finance, and environmental responsibility. Faculty, staff, RBC leaders, and community partners joined to support the initiative, reinforcing the collective effort needed to advance a sustainable future.

SAF undergraduate programs are evolving in response to advancements in technology and sustainability. AFM is the first to implement these changes, but soon all programs will adopt this new model to embrace future-ready, experiential learning. 

This week, the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2025 at Spring Convocation! 

As we highlight this milestone, we’re honoured to recognize three individuals whose achievements and contributions exemplify the very best of our community.

Krista Fiolleau and James Thompson, School of Accounting and Finance faculty members, have been recognized with 2025 Arts Awards for their exceptional contributions to research and service.

Patricia O’Brien, Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), has been selected for induction into the Canadian Accounting Hall of Fame under the “Leaders of the Profession” category.

This prestigious honour recognizes her outstanding contributions to the accounting profession through decades of influential research, teaching, and mentorship that have shaped both Canadian and global accounting practices.

Ranjini Jha, a professor from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), will be recognized with the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Spring 2025 convocation ceremony.

Even after her retirement in 2024, Jha’s generosity and dedication to SAF finance students continues through the Jha Family Scholarship for Excellence in Finance, which supports high-achieving students pursuing careers in finance.