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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Masks required in health care facilities
As of January 6, medical mask-wearing is required in all health care facilities in British Columbia where active patient care is being provided.
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HSBC Global Disbursements transitions to RBC International Pay
As part of the HSBC-RBC transition, UBC is transitioning to RBC’s International Pay on January 17, 2025. Please note there is a difference in the level of supported currencies between RBC’s International Pay and the previous platform HSBC Global Disbursement.
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Find the room you need with the new Find a Space tool!
The updated Find a Space tool on the Learning Spaces website is now live and ready for use! This upgraded tool provides advanced search options for buildings, classrooms, and spaces related to teaching and learning.
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UBC Alert testing on January 17 — are you in the loop?
UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification to UBC Vancouver and Okanagan students, faculty, and staff via a phone call and text message on Friday, January 17, 2025. Make sure your mobile number is up to date on Workday.
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Your data, your privacy: Join the conversation
Privacy Matters @ UBC is excited to host Data Privacy Week from January 28 to 30, 2025, a series of informative and insightful sessions focusing on privacy and information security. You’re invited to engage in discussions about crucial privacy issues…
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…