News

Benjie Thomas (PDAcc '98), CEO of KPMG in Canada returned to the University of Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance to chat with students and share valuable career insights with the next generation. 

Before his inspiring talk, Benjie was recognized for his longstanding generosity at a luncheon attended by University leaders, local KPMG partners and alumni, as well as student recipients of the scholarships endowed in the Thomas Family name.

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. 

SAF professor Dr. Tingting Wu shares research showing the effect of carbon pricing on the behaviour of home buyers and sellers — shaping their awareness, attitudes and decision-making in the real estate market.

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.

The 2025 SAF Alumni Excellence Gala brought together over 130 alumni, donors, students, faculty, and university leaders to celebrate excellence, innovation and the vibrant future of our community.

The evening featured the presentation of the SAF Lifetime Achievement Award, the launch of a new doctoral scholarship, and a warm welcome to the new Chair of the SAF Advisory Council.

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.

Tim Jackson (BA'92), a sessional lecturer at Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business, will be awarded an honorary doctorate at this year's convocation ceremony.

We congratulate Tim on this well-deserved recognition as he receives the University's highest honour for his exceptional contributions within the University, Waterloo Region and beyond.