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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Read more: Strengthening communications resilience with the PACE framework

Strengthening communications resilience with the PACE framework
Maintaining reliable communication during a crisis can be the difference between confusion and a well-coordinated response. Use the PACE framework to create an emergency communications plan with multiple layers of backup systems.
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Read more: Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter

Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter
As the vibrant colors of fall settle in, so do shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather conditions. Be sure to prioritize safety both on and off the road during these darker months.
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Read more: Updated Construction Financing & Internal Loan Guidelines

Updated Construction Financing & Internal Loan Guidelines
The Construction Financing & Internal Loan Guidelines has recently been updated. Learn more in the UBC Finance Portal.
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Read more: Protect yourself and others from the flu

Protect yourself and others from the flu
Influenza (flu) season generally occurs in the fall to spring. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Getting the flu shot is your best protection. UBC has two upcoming flu shot clinics.
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Read more: 2026 payroll calendar now available

2026 payroll calendar now available
The 2026 payroll calendar is now available in the UBC Finance Portal. View more important payroll dates on the Your Pay & Taxes page.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Parveen Mann joins UBC as Director, Human Resources
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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Read more: VPFO Finance Realignments Following Workday Go-Live
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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Read more: Leadership one-on-one with our Comptroller, Karamjeet Heer
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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Read more: Yvonne Kwok promoted to Communications Manager, Facilities and Safety & Risk Services
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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Read more: Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll
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.