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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University cheque mailing resuming as normal starting December 17
Canada Post has announced it is resuming operations on Tuesday, December 17. All cheques produced for students, employees, and suppliers that were held for pickup at UBC during the postal strike will be mailed out with immediate effect.
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A warm thank you for an impressive 2024
As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for your incredible efforts and reflect on what the VPFO team has achieved in 2024.
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Please be aware of a ‘fake taxi’ scam at UBC Vancouver
Campus Security is aware of three incidents in recent days where members of the UBC community have been financially scammed by a “fake taxi”. If you are approached and asked to pay a fare for a taxi ride, please leave…
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Why your net pay may be lower in January
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) deductions have a yearly maximum earnings limit. Once these limits are reached during the calendar year, the deductions stop for the rest of the calendar year. Learn more on the Finance website.
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Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance
Metro Vancouver water crews are working within the City of Vancouver December 3–5, which may cause cloudy water. The water is still safe for consumption and use.
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…