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When it comes to academic case competitions at Telfer, few opportunities rival the prestige, challenge, and excitement of Omnium Financier (OF). As the largest finance and accounting competition in Eastern Canada, Omnium Financier pushes students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and deliver polished, innovative finance and accounting solutions to complex problems.
My experience with the competition has been transformative. From competition delegate to Telfer Coordinator to becoming a VP on the competition Organizing Committee, I have experienced the competition in every way possible. Below, I will share everything you need to know about getting involved in the competition.
Interested in attending this year? Sign up to volunteer at Omnium Financier 2025, hosted at McGill University, using this link and experience the competition first-hand.
Omnium Financier is an inter-university business case competition hosted annually in Eastern Canada, with a focus on finance and accounting. It brings together some of the brightest students from business schools across Ontario and Québec to solve real-world business problems provided by competition sponsors. Each team is tasked with analyzing a complex case and presenting a realistic and creative solution to a panel of judges, which often includes industry representatives and other professionals.
The competition is intense, with time constraints and high expectations. It’s designed to mimic the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the financial industry. However, it’s also an environment where students can thrive, test their limits, and gain exposure to new fields of business.
Preparing for Omnium Financier is an experience in itself. Although the process is intensive, there is a dedicated team at the Telfer Competitions Committee who are ready to support you and your team each step of the way.
Here is how the preparation period is typically broken down:
Late September: Applications open! Apply with your CV and answer a few questions through the application form on the Telfer Competitions Instagram.
Early-mid October: Teams are chosen! You will be matched with 2-3 other Telfer students in a case you indicated you were interested in. Applicants are chosen based on their technical knowledge, academic experience, and desire to learn. Although case competition experience is an asset, it is not a requirement to participate!
Late October: Practices begin. You will work with your team and coach to develop analytical skills, presentation skills, and technical knowledge before the competition. Practices are typically 3 hours of case cracking, followed by a 1 hour presentation and feedback period with your coach.
Tip: The best way to become the best is to watch the best. You can find previous OF presentations on RÉFAEC TV to help inspire your team's next practice.
October-February: Team bonding events will take place periodically throughout these months. Keep an eye out for the annual Telfer OF Pong Tournament hosted around Halloween.
Early February: Competition weekend is here! Time to put the skills and knowledge you have acquired these past months to the test. Remember that you are here for a reason, and give it your all!
Late April: Celebrate the accomplishments of all TCCT competition delegates at the annual TCCT Gala.
By the time you have reached the competition, you will be amazed at how much you have grown —not just as individuals, but as a cohesive team ready to tackle anything thrown your way.
There are several reasons why Omnium Financier stands out among case competitions:
Focus on Finance: Unlike general business case competitions, Omnium Financier is tailored to those passionate about finance and accounting. This specialization allows delegates to dive deeply into a specific field while expanding their technical expertise.
Real-World Challenges: The cases presented aren’t just hypothetical scenarios—they’re based on real challenges faced by organizations. This gives you the chance to tackle problems that professionals encounter in their daily work, making the experience incredibly practical and relevant.
Networking Opportunities: The competition attracts some of the best minds in Canadian finance and accounting, including industry professionals who serve as judges and sponsors. The chance to connect with these individuals was invaluable. Many delegates have walked away from this competition with internships and job offers!
Past competition sponsors:
Here is what you can expect from Omnium Financier competition weekend. It will fly by quicker than you think!
Zone Tampon: As you arrive at the host school, you will hop off your bus straight into the action. The Zone Tampon is a way to greet each school at the competition and to shake off the pre-competition nerves. There is often a DJ, company sponsors, inflatables, and other party elements at the Zone. You will face off against other schools in dance battles, and compete to see which school cheers the loudest. The Zone is all in good fun and serves as a way to break the ice between schools.
Opening Ceremonies: The Opening Ceremonies officially kickoff the competition. The ceremony involves the introduction of the organizing committee members, the various coordinators from each school, and opening speeches to set the tone for the weekend.
Speaker Panel: Following the Opening Ceremonies, industry professionals will host a speaker panel that will discuss the latest news, trends, and innovations in the finance and accounting spheres. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your area of interest, and to ask insightful questions to the best in the business.
Case Presentations: The main reason you are here! The next day begins bright-and-early with case presentations from all academic delegates. Omnium Financier features 10 academic cases for students to participate in. Once you have cracked and presented, go watch your fellow delegates present. A friendly face is always welcome.
*NEW* Sports Tournament: New to the competition this year, certain delegates will be participating in a sports tournament against other schools. Go cheer on your team and show your school spirit as your team competes for gold.
Cocktail Chouchou: Select delegates will be invited to a post-competition private networking event with competition judges. Each judge is given one ticket to give to a student they felt stood out during the day. Whether it was an idea you presented or your engaging presentation style, this is a true honour to receive. However, if you are not selected, do not worry. An invite does not always guarantee a podium finish!
Gala: Time to celebrate! The competition finishes with an Awards Gala where the top 3 finishers from each category are announced. Each winner receives a trophy on stage to the cheer of all competition delegates. As a delegation, you will celebrate the work and achievements of each team member.
Afterparty: The celebrations aren't over! It's time to party late into the night with all competition delegates. Don't party too hard though - you have an early bus ride home the next day!
Participating in Omnium Financier was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. It challenged me in ways I never anticipated, but it also gave me the confidence to tackle future challenges head-on. The skills I gained, the connections I made, and the lessons I learned have all been instrumental in shaping my professional skillset. I am proud of the impact I have had on the competition and I am happy to have played a part in its return to Telfer.
For those considering competing in Omnium Financier - keep an eye out on the Telfer Competitions Instagram page for info. You can attend Omnium Financier 2025 by signing up as a volunteer using this link.
If you’re a Telfer student passionate about finance and accounting and are looking for a way to stand out, Omnium Financier should be your next adventure!