School of Accounting and Finance

Thank you and farewell to Dr. Blake Phillips 💛🖤

After more than 15 years at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Blake Phillips is stepping down as Director of the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF).

Throughout his time at SAF, Blake has been a dedicated advocate for students, faculty and staff, helping shape the School's future through bold ideas, strong leadership and a commitment to innovation.

Among his many lasting contributions, he helped create and launch the Bachelor of Sustainability and Financial Management program, which celebrated its first graduating class this June.

He has also been a steady champion of Indigenous representation, including commissioning a new Indigenous mural which reflects the School's commitment to incorporating Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation into how we prepare students headed into the profession.

Join us in thanking Blake for his leadership and wishing him the best as he takes on his next chapter as Dean of the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge.

Read more about Blake's legacy and messages from the SAF community: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/news/thank-you-and-farewell-dr-blake-phillips

There’s something special about getting advice from someone who’s been in your shoes. ✨

For Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) student Hanna, one of the highlights of joining our Fellowship Program was learning directly from a Waterloo alum who has successfully gone from School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) student to seasoned industry professional.

From judging case competitions to welcoming prospective students to SAF, she reflects on how the program provided unique opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

🔗 Read more about Hanna's experience: https://uwaterloo.ca/.../my-fellowship-journey-uwaterloo

A stunning new Indigenous mural was unveiled this week at the School of Accounting and Finance.

At the heart of Hagey Hall, the three-panel installation by Cayuga Woodland artist Kyle Joedicke features the Haudenosaunee Sky Woman Creation story.

“This work deals very intimately with a piece of knowledge and a teaching from my people's culture that speaks to the importance of community, and also the importance of reciprocal gifts in society and appreciating all that we've been given by Creator in the natural world,” explained Joedicke.

The unveiling brought together University leadership and Indigenous community members including President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bill Rosehart; Dr. Alexie Tcheuyap, Dean of Arts; Dr. Blake Phillips, Director of SAF; and Elder Myeengun Henry, Waterloo's Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, who opened the ceremony with a smudging.

Reflecting on the art he commissioned, Phillips remarked: “It is a story of cooperation, reciprocity and the coming together of many things to create something larger than ourselves. I can't imagine a more fitting story for a university community.”

🔗 Learn more about SAF's new mural and the story it tells: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/news/new-indigenous-mural-finds-permanent-home-school-accounting



University of Waterloo
UWaterloo Office of Indigenous Relations

Congratulations to Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) students Kai R., Michael Z. and John Y. on their outstanding performance at the Queen's Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC)! 👏

Representing the University of Waterloo's School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), the team tackled a complex business strategy case, developing and defending their recommendations before a panel of industry and academic professionals.

Their hard work, analytical thinking and presentation skills earned them an impressive second-place finish at one of Canada's most prestigious undergraduate case competitions.

We're proud to celebrate their achievement and the dedication they brought to the competition. 🎉

🔗 Read more about their experience in their blog: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/blog/saf-spotlight-success-business-strategy-icbc-finals-weekend

What a term it's been! ☀️

From cheering on the Blue Jays and exploring Germany to celebrating our newest graduates, connecting with alumni, and making memories across campus, this summer has been filled with opportunities to learn, grow and celebrate our SAF community.

As spring term classes come to a close, we're wishing all our students the very best of luck on their final exams.

Finish strong — we're cheering you on every step of the way! 💛🖤

Our 2026 Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) team has earned a top spot on the national stage! 🏆

Congratulations to Aiden, Alicia, Kai, Michael, Gurleen and Quynh-Anh for placing 2nd in Canada at the 2026 VCIC in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Proudly representing the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), the team put their venture capital expertise to the test in this fast-paced competition, demonstrating exceptional analytical skills, strategic thinking and an ability to make informed investment decisions under pressure.

🔗 Read more about the team's impressive achievement in their blog: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/blog/learnings-waterloo-vcic-team

Our spring end of term event was one for the (scrap)books! 📓

We loved seeing so many of you out to celebrate and we hope this was just the boost you needed to finish the term strong.

Special thanks to for the Hawaiian shaved ice and ice cream 🍧, and to for the puppy cuddles 🐾

Good luck in your final few classes, Warriors! 💪 You've got this!

Sometimes the most meaningful connections begin with something as simple as a cup of matcha 🍵

Through the School of Accounting and Finance's (SAF) Fellowship Program, Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) student Kailey found more than a mentor — she found a trusted friend, a source of encouragement and someone who helped her navigate university with greater confidence.

Her biggest takeaway? The best mentorships are built on genuine connections. Sometimes, all it takes is reaching out and starting the conversation.

Interested in becoming part of the SASF Fellowship Program? Applications close August 1.

🔗 Learn more about the application process and read Kailey's story here: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/blog/more-matcha-finding-mentorship-through-safs-fellowship

This past Saturday, we welcomed our School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) students to compete in the 13th annual Investment Research Challenge (IRC)!

In this year’s competition, we saw 16 student teams give remarkable pitches to a panel of faculty members, followed by a thorough Q&A session where their analysis was put to the test. The top three teams moved on to a final presentation, where they defended their buy/sell/hold recommendation to industry experts.

Congratulations to our winning teams and to all participants!

🥇 First Place: Jei, James, Abhi
🥈 Second Place: Shayan, Alex, Hamza
🥉 Third Place: Kevin, Hanna, Jake, Grace

Special thanks to Anish Chopra for supporting this competition and sponsoring the $4000 prize pool.

Sometimes the best advice comes from someone who was in your shoes not long ago.

Through the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) Outreach and Ambassador Program (SOAP), AFM student Angel connected with prospective students, shared honest insights about university life, and helped others navigate the same questions she once had—about co-op, academics, and finding her place at Waterloo.

Along the way, the experience helped Angel grow as a communicator, leader and mentor while reinforcing what makes SAF special: a community that's always ready to support one another.

🔗 Learn more about her experience: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/blog/my-student-ambassador-experience-inside-safs-soap