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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HSBC-RBC Transition project website is now live
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada (HSBC) was legally completed on March 28, 2024. A new HSBC-RBC Transition project website has been created to help the finance community follow along with UBC’s transition plan.
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UBC Third Quarter 2023/24 Financial Report is now available
The university’s third quarter 2023/24 financial report is now available on the UBC Finance website.
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Keeping the clean water flowing to campus – 16th Ave Water Main Replacement begins April 15
This project will replace 400 metres of aging water main infrastructure along 16th Avenue. Expect noise and traffic changes along the route.
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Water dispensing and filtration equipment
Drinking water on the UBC Vancouver campus comes from Metro Vancouver’s water system, and is regularly tested to maintain high-quality drinking water. But if a faculty/department would like to order third-party water dispensing and filtration equipment, this order and ongoing maintenance or…
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50% off furniture at the Zero Waste Market
As spring rolls around, the Zero Waste Market is excited to announce that during April and May, will be 50% off, with some items free. Stop by to check out the furniture, stationary, lamps, and unique vintage items! Learn more.
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.