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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UBC Completes Initial Transitioning of Funds Through the Responsible Investing Strategy
As part of UBC’s commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable future and divesting the endowment, the university is pleased to share that $34M of endowment funds have been transitioned to fossil-fuel-free investments.
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Faculty and Staff Tax Slips for the 2020 Tax Year will be Available in Workday
This year, T4 tax slips (and T4As, where applicable) will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system before the end of February, in line with Canadian tax legislation.
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UBC planning $315 million facility expansion of medical research and nursing schools
The Vancouver Urbanized blog shared an overview of some key projects planned for the Point Grey campus, including new health sciences facilities located at the main gateway into the campus.
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Claiming home office expenses — updated CRA guidance
Recognizing the special circumstances of the 2020 tax year, the CRA has announced two new ways employees may be able to claim home office expenses.
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John Metras, UBC’s AVP Facilities to speak at St. john’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series
On January 27, St. John’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series invites you to meet over lunch with a group of our colleagues from across the university, and share thoughts and conversations about how we might work toward the goal of…
People of the VPFO
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Peter Lincoln joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Peter Lincoln is the successful candidate for the position of Project Coordinator in Project Services within Infrastructure Development. David Kosub will be retiring at the end of June 2021, and Peter will be stepping into his role in Project Services.
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Parveen Mann joins UBC as Director, Human Resources
We are pleased to welcome Parveen Mann to the VPFO as our new Director of Human Resources, reporting to Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Peter Smailes, effective June 21.
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VPFO Finance Realignments Following Workday Go-Live
Many members of our VPFO team played key roles in launch of Workday at UBC, and following the success of go-live we are ready to continue modernizing our core business processes, improve how we are structured, and transform the way…
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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.