Professional Development and Certification

Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance programs have received the highest level of national accreditation through CPA Canada.

In 5 years, you’ll earn:

• 2 degrees - an undergraduate degree in AFM or Biotech/CPA or Math/CPA and a Master of Accounting (MAcc) graduate degree
• up to 16 months of professional work experience which may be applied towards CPA’s 30 months of required relevant practical work experience
• the ability to write the Common Final Examination (CFE), the last exam for the CPA designation, immediately following successful completion of your MAcc

Your AFM or Biotech/CPA or Math/CPA + MAcc degrees fulfill: 

• the academic course requirements for CPA Ontario 
• the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP, a 2-year program) that includes:
  • the 2 CPA core integration modules
  • 2 professional areas of study
  • all 4 CPA elective modules are offered during MAcc
  • the 2 CPA capstone modules

See the visual representation of the CPA accreditation pathway.

SAF Alumni on the CFE Honour Roll 

SAF alumni have distinguished themselves on the Common Final Examination (CFE) Honour Roll, formerly the Uniform Final Examination (UFE). The honour roll recognizes individuals with exceptional scores on the three day CPA certification exam. 

CFE Honour Roll Alumni Recipients

CFA Institute University Affiliation Program

The School of Accounting and Finance's AFM and CFM programs are recognized under the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. 

• The AFM and CFM curriculums fulfill​ a minimum of 70% of the CFA Program Level 1 Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK). Covering academic theory, current industry practice as well as ethical and professional standards to provide a strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and portfolio-management skills.
• Access to all levels of the CFA Program sample exam for AFM and CFM students in terms 3B or 4A or 4B.
• Access to 23 CFA Program Awareness Scholarships worth $1,000 each year to help cover enrolment fees and standard registration fees.

In 4 years, you’ll earn: 

• a unique degree that’s recognized in the marketplace - Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM) or Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management (BCFM).
• up to 16 (AFM) or 24 (CFM) months of professional work experience that can be focused in the area of finance 
• the ability to challenge the CFA Level 1 and Level 2 designation exams by the time you graduate

See a visual representation of the CFA accreditation pathway. 

Learn more about the CFA Level exams. 

Waterloo Master of Accounting (MAcc) students receive advanced standing in the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV) program of studies through:

• Successful completion of ACC 606 Business Valuations
  • CICBV will grant course exemptions from its Level I - Introductory Business Valuation and Level II – Intermediate Business Valuation courses to students

Learn more about the Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation.

Success as an accounting and financial management professional requires much more than technical skills. The School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) offers professional development activities that will help you focus on improving skills employers demand.

SAF hosts a number of professionally related events each year. Our goal is to help you successfully navigate opportunities.