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 project and data management across the VPFO and UBC
Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC
We are pleased to introduce the new position of Executive Director, Transformation & Strategy, which will drive UBC’s finance transformation by developing a strategic financial planning and analysis framework aimed at enhancing financial efficiency and modernizing our approach.
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Read more: Celebrate Circular Economy Month

Celebrate Circular Economy Month
Join the Furniture Reuse Program team at the Zero Waste Market this October and November for reduced prices to celebrate Circular Economy Month! The Zero Waste Market sells gently used furniture best suited for home use and small budgets, as…
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Read more: Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know

Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know
In preparation for the FY25 Q2 forecast in Adaptive Planning, please review the following Q2 2025 Guidelines and References. A Zoom forecast update session will also be available for the Finance community. More information is available on the Finance website.
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Read more: Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel

Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel
Air Canada is in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). If you need to change your Air Canada reservation and have booked through Concur or a Direct Travel agent, please reach out to Direct Travel. Learn more about…
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Read more: Regular testing and maintenance lead to quick action in an emergency

Regular testing and maintenance lead to quick action in an emergency
Fire alarms are the first line of defence against the effects of fire, providing early warning to occupants and enabling swift action to mitigate property damage. Thank you to all our teams and crews for the swift response and all…
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.