University of Waterloo School of Accounting and Finance
The School of Accounting & Finance at the University of Waterloo was formed in 1985 under the name of School of Accountancy as a result in the growth in need for accountants in the public sector, as well as Waterloo's growing reputation as an innovative centre of learning, especially through the co-op program. The school changed its name to The School of Accounting & Finance in 2008 to better reflect its newly created Financial Management programs. Today the School of Accountancy and Finance has nearly 1000 students enrolled in any one of its undergraduate and graduate accounting programs, and is home to the largest accounting co-op program in Canada [1].
The School of Accountancy offers several programs that all provide the same accounting courses, but with different focuses amongst the remaining courses. The following programs are offered:
Public Accounting (BAFM degree): The student takes an area of interest in a non-accounting subject area along with the accounting courses and hopes to develop communication skills that will help as a public accountant. Graduates of this program aspire to a Chartered Accounting (CA) designation. The student takes three of four co-op terms during the accounting busy season (January to April).
Financial Management (BAFM degree): The student takes an area of interest in a non-accounting subject area and hopes to develop communication skills that will help as a financial analyst or industry accountant. Graduates of this program aspire to a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. The student takes two of four co-op terms during the accounting busy season, but is highly discouraged from spending those terms within a public accounting firm. Instead, the student is expected to begin work in industry and is not allowed to apply to Chartered Accountancy jobs through the school's Co-op tool.
Mathematics and Chartered Accountancy (BMath degree): The student takes math courses along with the accounting courses and hopes to develop the mathematical skills necessary to compliment mathematical or highly technical businesses. Math-CA students are expected to work alongside actuaries, computer scientists, or investment experts in their careers. The student takes three of four co-op terms during busy season and is strongly encouraged to consider joining a CA firm in order to get the hours necessary for their CA.
Biotechnology and Chartered Accountancy (BSc degree): The student takes science courses along with the accounting courses and hopes to develop an understanding of the biotechnology environment. These skills are applied as an accountant for businesses specializing in chemical work or the medical field. The student takes two of four co-op terms during busy season.
Computing and Financial Management (BCFM degree): One of the newest programs at the University of Waterloo created in 2006. Jointly offered with the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science in the Math faculty, the student takes computer science courses along with the accounting courses. Upon completion, these students will receive a unique degree in Canada, Bachelor Computing and Financial Management. The first class of approximately 42 is expected to graduate in 2011.
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