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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First steps towards a Finance Data & Reporting Strategy for UBC
This week we are introducing new tools and resources for the finance community that expand our ability to manage data and develop reports. The first is Calumo, a financial reporting tool, and the second is Power BI, which we are…
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UBC’s FY2023 Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) now available online
In 2018, the Canadian government formally endorsed the adoption of the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations by all Canadian organizations to support Canada’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. UBC recently published its second annual report for the period…
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Exciting new exhibit in progress for the Pacific Museum of the Earth
Construction has begun on the installation of an interpretive exhibit for the Pacific Museum of the Earth at the Earth Science Building entrance. The exhibit will showcase the wonders of planet Earth and inspire visitors with two magnificent dinosaur skeleton…
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Explore the stunning new Chung | Lind Gallery
The Chung | Lind Gallery in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre welcomes visitors to explore BC’s multicultural history. The renovation project was managed by UBC Facilities Project Services with great collaboration with UBC Library.
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Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…
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.