News

Entrepreneurship is more than launching a business—it’s about solving problems, embracing risk, and building something meaningful from the ground up. This month, we’re spotlighting two inspiring alumni from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) who have turned their passions and professional experiences into thriving ventures. 

Their journeys from corporate roles to entrepreneurial leadership highlight the resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking that Waterloo alumni bring to the business world.  

In honour of World Teachers’ Day this month, the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is celebrating alumni who have returned to the classroom—bringing the lessons they’ve learned in industry back to where their own journeys began.  

Balancing careers in both business and academia, our alumni bridge theory and practice, offering their insights and experiences to give our students a firsthand look at how classroom concepts come to life in real-world settings. 

The end of summer means back to school and back to routines with the spirit of learning in full swing. For SAF alumni, crossing the stage at Convocation isn't the end of their educational journey, but the start of a new chapter. Many decide to give back and share their knowledge by mentoring students, guest lecturing and promoting financial literacy in their communities. These alumni create a ripple effect that inspires and support future generations. 

Mentorship shaped his student experience, and now Dean Ah Sen (MAcc ’16) has come full circle, giving back to the SAF community as a Fellowship Honouree. While leading financial reporting at CAPREIT, he continues to help students navigate challenges and step outside their comfort zones.

School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) alumni are finding success early in their careers, proving that with the right mix of curiosity, courage and foundation, great things can happen fast.

Whether they’re helping launch startups or preparing expert reports for high-stakes litigation, these young professionals are already leaving a mark on their industries.  

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.

In September 2024, thousands of candidates nationwide took the final step in the journey to becoming a Chartered Professional Account (CPA) by writing the Common Final Exam (CFE), widely regarded as one of the most challenging professional exams in Canada.

Seven outstanding alumni from the School of Accounting and Finance placed in the top one percent, earning a place on the CPA Canada Honour Roll.

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, we reflect on the growing need for environmental consciousness in the finance industry, highlighting SAF alumni who have been driving sustainable change since before it was mainstream.

Meet Ivan Li and Munam Khan—trailblazers in sustainable finance who are using their accounting and finance expertise to help organizations navigate climate risk, report on ESG, and build a better future.