Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
The nine divisions of the VPFO are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety and risk management for our university community.
We oversee a $3.98 billion budget, a $3.38 billion endowment, and all facilities on both campuses, as well as managing the university’s relationships with UBC Investment Management and UBC Properties Trust. In all the portfolio’s responsibilities, we are committed to the values of innovation, unity and accountability.

VPFO Strategic Plan 2024–2027
Having a strategic plan gives us a clear path, keeping everyone on the same page. Learn more about where we’re going next and how we plan to get there.
News from the VPFO
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Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned work starting October 16
During the water system adjustments, there will be no interruption to drinking water service. However, you may notice cloudiness or slight discolouration in the water for a few days. Drinking water remains safe for use and consumption at all times.
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Keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming: Check out the Classroom Usage Guidelines
Classrooms can be used as a study space when classes or other events are not in session. Please give priority to classes and room bookings. Follow the Classroom Usage Guidelines.
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University Services Building (USB) Lighting Renewal: Exterior work occurring October 6–8
Exterior lighting work is scheduled to begin this Monday, October 6. The west sidewalk on West Mall will be closed to pedestrian traffic. On October 8, work will begin on the north side of USB.
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New Monday yoga classes starting October 20 at the Centre
Starting October 20, we will be adding an additional yoga class to the Centre’s group class schedule! Sessions will be held on Mondays at 4:00 pm, offering a great way to relieve body tension and improve strength, flexibility and balance at…
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Are you prepared for an earthquake? ShakeOut and UBC Alert testing will take place on October 16
On October 16, 2025, practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 am during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. As part of ShakeOut, UBC will be testing its emergency notification system, UBC Alert. Learn more about how you…
People of the VPFO
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Leadership one-on-one with our Comptroller, Karamjeet Heer
As UBC’s Comptroller, Karamjeet is responsible for ensuring the university’s fiscal sustainability by providing financial intelligence and strategy. This week she has been featured in the UBC Today Leadership One-on-One interview series.
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Yvonne Kwok promoted to Communications Manager, Facilities and Safety & Risk Services
Yvonne Kwok will be expanding her role as Communications Manager, Facilities & SRS, effective Friday, May 21, 2021.
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Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll
Dawn brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, technical, and systems implementation to the university, and most recently served as the Director of Finance for the Sooke School District in Victoria, BC.
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Lindsay Forsyth & Jeff Bosworth promoted in Municipal Services within Building Operations
Lindsay Forsyth is promoted to Sub-Head Landscape Technologist, and Jeff Bosworth is promoted as Landscape Technologist Apprentice in Municipal Services within Building Operations.
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New team members join the VPFO Operational Excellence team
As part of an effort to improve efficiencies and cost-savings while achieving service excellence within the VPFO, some team members of the Business Services team in Customer Services & Informatics (CSI) in Facilities will be transitioning to the newly formed…