News

The University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance has achieved its highest‑ever international research ranking, placing third worldwide in the 2025 Brigham Young University (BYU) Accounting Rankings — ahead of institutions such as Cornell University.

The milestone reflects sustained, award‑winning research that helps organizations better understand how incentives, performance metrics and systems influence real human behaviour at work.

Blake Phillips, Director of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), joined Velocity in welcoming The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions).

During the visit, Phillips highlighted the value of SAF's Student Venture Fund, which gives students the valuable opportunity to engage directly with entrepreneurship and venture capital while they’re still in school.

Dr. Alec Cram from the School of Accounting and Finance has received $223,529 in funding from the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) to lead a three-year research project on how employee attention impacts cybersecurity behaviour.

This project is part of NCC’s initiative to strengthen Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

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 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.

SAF professor Dr. Krista Fiolleau co-leads a new study revealing how automation is reshaping the role of junior auditors.

As Earth Day prompts reflection on sustainability, Dr. Elizabeth Demers, professor at the School of Accounting and Finance, helps unpack the complexities of greenwashing in corporate reporting in this insightful Q&A. From new legislation to misleading ESG scores, learn why spotting the difference between real and performative environmental action is more important—and more complicated—than ever.

Recent rhetoric has emerged alleging that U.S. banks aren’t allowed to do business in Canada, which is untrue. U.S. banks have been operating in Canada for well over a century with 16 U.S.-based bank subsidiaries and branches managing $113 billion in assets here in the country.

James Thompson, SAF professor and co-director of the Computing and Financial Management program, breaks down how U.S. banks operate in Canada—challenging misconceptions and offering key insights on cross-border banking.

Researcher from the School of Accounting and Finance cautions that clear regulatory oversight is needed to protect investors.

The topic of sustainability is becoming increasingly popular in the investment world with sustainable investing creating a large global impact. This significant shift lead the School of Accounting and Finance's (SAF) Dr. Adam Vitalis and his co-authors to research how green labels attract investors to certain projects which can open the door to greenwashing. 

The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is proud to announce that Professor J. Efrim Boritz has been awarded the prestigious 2025 ISACA Educational Excellence Award. This honour recognizes his outstanding leadership and contributions to research and education in the field of IT audit and assurance.