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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VPFO Teams Featured in Water Canada Magazine
Several VPFO teams have been featured in Water Canada Magazine for their safe and sustainable stewardship of water on UBC’s Vancouver campus.
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EXPENSES RELATING TO WORKING FROM HOME – QUESTIONS ABOUT THE T2200 TAX FORM
Many members of the UBC faculty and staff community have moved to working-from-home scenarios as a result of COVID-19 measures, and the university’s finance teams have received some questions about whether UBC will be issuing T2200 tax forms for the…
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Working safely on campus and at home
Avoid infection and stay safe at work by following Safety & Risk Services guidance on safe working at srs.ubc.ca/covid19.
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Protect UBC Mobile Phones Against SIM Swapping
UBC IT has recommend that we take steps to protect our cell phones against a risk known as SIM swapping.
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UBC Moves Forward with Divestment Plus
By taking this approach, the university will be able to assess broader environmental, social and governance issues present in its portfolio companies, and work to become an active investor that influences outcomes.
People of the VPFO
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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.
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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.