Our Strategic Plan
Our plan & our people
The VPFO is made up of diverse individuals doing important work to support the university. Join us as we spotlight champions of our strategic plan and how they drive UBC forward.
Thomas Straley, Accounts Payable Manager: Taking Accountability Personally
Some people are lucky enough to find their dream job early and follow that path all the way through their career — and with 20 years of experience specifically working in Accounts Payable (AP), Thomas Straley is one of them.
In this Q&A, Thomas shares why the VPFO’s strategic directions and values matter to him, and how he delivers his best for UBC through professionalism, commitment and accountability.
Read more about how Thomas and his team connect to the VPFO strategic plan.
Review our plan on Envisio
Log into Envisio to find the latest progress on our strategic plan.
Operations updates
Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services
- UBC Facilities driving operational efficiency and resilience through the MacLeod Building renewal: Learn about how buildings are prioritized at UBC and the teamwork that went into transforming the historical MacLeod Building into a more efficient and sustainable facility in alignment with UBC's strategic goals. Read more
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- Why your net pay is lower in January: As we approach the end of the year, Payroll has created a new page that explains what the 2023 rates are and how Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums affect employees' pay. Learn more
- Claiming Unidentified Wire Transfers and Direct Deposits: Please check through the list of unidentified payments (updated as of Nov 23) to see if any payments belong to your department.
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- Updated COVID-19 Campus Rules in alignment with recent Provincial Health Orders: There are currently no province-wide restrictions at this time. All students, faculty, staff, and others must check themselves for COVID-19 symptoms prior to engaging in in-person UBC activities on UBC Premises. Learn more
- Investigations for supervisors: Supervisors are responsible for reporting and investigating all accidents/incidents involving UBC workers. Visit the recently updated Safety & Risk Services web page for more information. If you are from the UBC Okanagan campus, visit the UBCO Health, Safety and Environment website.
- How to properly represent UBC: Get up-to-speed on core university policies that govern Communications & Engagement at UBC for all employees and vendors. Learn more
People of the VPFO
At the VPFO we love celebrating success! Join us every week in recognizing the great work our VPFO team members are doing to support the university.
Finance & Operational Excellence
- Gauri Garg, Buyer – Kudos to Gauri for promptly processing a recent rush Purchase Order for broken equipment for an experiment. Great work and thank you for your excellent customer service!
- Pulu Rana, Business Data Analyst – Shout out to Pulu for his hard work in getting together all the Planon reports for a Facilities project. Your service excellence and high level of accountability are much appreciated!
Well done! Want to give someone a shout out in the next edition? Submit your kudos in your local recognition program or email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca
All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:
- Day - Full-Time Service Worker (4 Positions) – 11/28/2022
- Payroll Partner - Analyst (JR10510) – 11/30/2022
- Millwright (JR7181) – 12/1/2022
- Millwright (Building Operations) (JR10231) – 12/2/2022
- Trades 2 - Steamfitter / Pipefitter (JR7935) – 12/2/2022
- Assistant Supervisor, Custodial (JR10571) – 12/2/2022
- Senior Financial Analyst (JR10651) – 12/12/2022
- Finance Director, VP Research & Innovation (JR10624) – 12/16/2022
- Trades 2 - Bricklayer (JR8528) – 12/30/2022
- Labourer 2 (JR10120) – ongoing
- Labourer 3 (JR8504) – ongoing
Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review the Apply for an Internal Job Posting guide in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.
In response to Colorado Springs attack
Sexuality and Gender Inclusive Education (SOGI UBC) has issued an important and powerful statement in response to the Club Q attack in Colorado Springs, United States: SOGI UBC statement in response to Club Q attack.
The event has reverberated across North America and beyond, and draws attention to the ongoing and persistent violence directed at queer and trans communities. We know that this tragedy has also impacted students, faculty and staff at UBC.
Faculty and staff may benefit from being aware of resources and spaces available to them for community and support – we’ve provided some relevant ones on our websites: UBC Vancouver | UBC Okanagan.
Black Mental Wellness Project for Black Students, Faculty and Staff
The UBC Black Caucus is excited to announce the return of the Black Mental Wellness Project. This project enables Black students, faculty and staff at UBC to access up to two free sessions with Black counsellors. There’s no cost and appointments are on a limited, first-come, first-served basis.
Book a virtual and/or in-person session today.
Do you have an idea for a community event in Vancouver?
The UBC Connects at Robson Square call for applications is now open. This brand-new initiative from the university is offering up to $5,000 of subsidies for any student, staff, faculty or community member that would like to host an event at Robson Square.
Apply and learn more
Spread the seasonal cheer by sharing your favourite holiday-inspired photo
What do the holidays mean to you? Spread the seasonal cheer and inspire your colleagues by sharing a holiday-themed photo. All submissions will be published on UBC Today.
Share your photo by December 2
Some interesting news articles our team members have found informative, helpful, or fun! These are provided for information and entertainment only. Unless noted, UBC doesn’t specifically endorse or supply this content.
- UBC Library has made its first edition of William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies openly accessible to the public through its Open Collections. Learn more
- Positive attention is 30 times more powerful than negative attention. A simple way to boost individual and team morale and to accelerate the growth of your team, is through well-considered notes of appreciation. Read more
HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing.
Our VPFO HR staff is always available for a confidential conversation. Refer to this service map to connect with the HR Advisor supporting your area.
Access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) confidential services, through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
