Update from the VPFO
Welcome Frank Laezza!
Today marks the official start of Frank's tenure with UBC as our new Vice-President Finance & Operations. As a strong believer in connected leadership, Frank is looking forward to working with our VPFO team of over 1400 folks in the oversight of UBC's physical and financial and financial assets, and the general safety of our campus communities.
Over the next month Frank will be meeting with the team and learning about how we work through a variety of cross-functional events — please take advantage of these opportunities to meet Frank and to connect with each other as the details become available!
Read Frank's bio on the VPFO website, or catch up on some information he shared about himself last week.
Operations updates
Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury
- Thank you for attending the Year End Call-in session on March 7: Slides from the session and the high-level activities calendar are now posted on the UBC Finance website. The session recording and Q&As will be made available next week.
- Financial Operations service delivery levels: The February dashboards are now available to view on the UBC Finance website, and focus on three key operational finance processes: invoicing, expense reimbursement, and purchase requisition/purchase order production.
- Finance & HR IRP Benefits Realization Management (IRP BRM) to cease monthly reporting in April 2023: Since 2020, IRP BRM has been providing visibility into UBC's journey towards achieving the benefits of implementing Workday HR and Finance. Now in its third year and with the current fiscal year coming to a close, IRP BRM will cease monthly tracking and reporting at end of FY22/23. Learn more
- From the ISC: Updated course: workday for managers: Managers are encouraged to enrol in or retake the Workday for Managers course, as it has been updated and expanded to include additional information on several important topics.
- From the ISC: New report shows latest date for automatic retroactive transactions: A new report will show Managers and HR Administrators the latest date a retroactive change with pay impacts can be processed automatically in Workday.
Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services
- Communications planning 101: Good communications are always based on a well-thought-out plan. This straightforward approach will guide you through the process. Learn more on the Communications & Engagement website
- Daylight Savings Time can affect workplace health and safety: As we experience the effects of Daylight Savings Time that took place over the weekend, here are some tips that may help your body adjust. Learn more
Shout outs
Communications & Engagement
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
People in motion
Welcome
- Facilities is pleased to welcome Pera Hardy as Senior Facilities Planner in Infrastructure Development.
Congratulations
- Treasury is growing their capabilities and strengthening their team! As of March 10, Holly Shepherd, Director, Treasury will begin her maternity leave.
- Doug Cheung, Director, Treasury will be taking on responsibilities for tax, leases and licencing contracts, payment card industry (PCI) compliance, and oversight of treasury accounting.
- Luana Lakhani, a contractor from KPMG has also joined the team as of March 6 to support the team and provide tax expertise.
- Sarah Goold will step into the role of Acting Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for strategic financial planning & analysis and cash & debt management.
- Raffaela Mendel will also temporarily be promoted to Treasury Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis to take on additional responsibilities.
Farewell
- Farewell to Martin Varma, Head Trades 2 – Carpenter, whose last day was February 28th. Thank you for your service and congratulations on your retirement!
- Farewell to Mike Rybicki, Trades 2 – Painter, whose last day was March 6th. Thank you for your service and we wish you well in the future.
Read more about our people on the VPFO website.
Job openings
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:
- Manager, Financial Reporting (JR11514) – 3/13/2023
- Trades 2 - Access Control Tech Locksmith (JR11453) – 03/15/2023
- Trades 2 - Access Control Tech Locksmith (JR11453) – 03/15/2023
- Sr. Finance Manager, Research Support (JR11820) – 03/15/2023
- Clerk 4 (JR11863) – 03/17/2023
- Configuration Analyst (JR11101) – 03/19/2023
- Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Technician (JR11851) – 03/22/2023
- Occupational Health and Safety Associate (JR11777) – 03/23/2023
- Patrol Officer II-2 (JR10764) – 03/24/2023
- Data Systems Administrator, Capital Projects (JR9432) – 3/26/2023
- Safety Advisor - Field Safety (JR11918) – 04/09/2023
- Labourer 2 (Seasonal) (JR11189) – 06/30/2023
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.
Spotlight of the week
In honour of Women's History Month, we'll be celebrating the achievement of women across the VPFO throughout March.
UBC and the VPFO are committed to gender equity and inclusion of all women. By challenging and calling out gender bias and inequality, we can all help create a more inclusive research, learning and work environment. See what’s happening at UBC
 |
Julie West, Senior Energy Conservation Manager
My job is all about saving energy and reducing carbon emissions for UBC. Have you heard about our District Energy System on campus? I’m working to decarbonize our academic system to meet UBC’s 2030 Climate Action Targets. My team and I work hard to reduce operational energy and emissions from building systems. Check out our story.
|
Managing your mental health
HR has mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs.
Manager or leaders: complete the new required training, Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers & Supervisors.
VPFO HR is always available for a confidential conversation, or access the Employee and Family Assistance Program's (EFAP) confidential services, through LifeWorks, by calling 1.866.424.0770.
UBC recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers
UBC is recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers in 2023. This designation recognizes employers across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.
Find out the three reasons why UBC was selected as Canada's best diversity employer this year!
Read the full announcement
Attend the UBC Coaching Internship info session on March 15
Are you a UBC employee seeking certification as a professional coach and want to apply your new coaching skills and knowledge working with UBC staff and faculty?
Through the Coaching Internship program, you will gain valuable experience coaching faculty and staff in addition to professional development and mentorship. For program details and to apply, visit the Coaching for staff and faculty page, or attend the virtual info session on March 15 to learn more.
Apply by April 16
Preventing fraudulent changes to the direct deposit information of UBC staff
UBC Cybersecurity continues to receive reports of Payroll Direct Deposit phishing campaigns and they need your help to identify and report these attacks as they happen.
Please report any potential phishing or fraud attempts immediately to security@ubc.ca. The Incident Response team is happy to review emails or any other form of electronic communication to assist in validating a request.
Learn more about this type of email fraud and how to protect yourself against it
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.
