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
-
Read more: Beat the heat this summer

Beat the heat this summer
During extreme heat, it’s important to lower your activity levels and stay in a cool area drinking fluids. If a heat warning has been issued, seek access to a cool space or go to a cooling centre. Know the signs…
-
Read more: Show your connection to the VPFO with updated templates

Show your connection to the VPFO with updated templates
You’ve already seen the new look at VPFO Day and on our websites. Now it’s your turn to integrated this look and feel to your own reports, presentations, and more. The new updated templates will help build consistency to communications…
-
Read more: Sahar Mirkhosravi joins Treasury as Tax Analyst
Sahar Mirkhosravi joins Treasury as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to announce that Sahar Mirkhosravi will be joining the Treasury team as Tax Analyst (Term) starting August 1, 2024, to cover for Kelly Ren’s maternity leave. Sahar has gained over 13 years of work experience at UBC…
-
Read more: Staying cool at UBC

Staying cool at UBC
Given the high temperatures that can occur in the summer, explore these resources to help stay cool and safe. UBC has multiple cooling centres and water is available across campus.
-
Read more: Do you have a buddy at work?

Do you have a buddy at work?
Tomorrow is International Day of Friendship, and in celebration, we want to highlight the importance of friendships and connections within and outside of our portfolio. Whether they are small or large, we hope you’ve had an opportunity to connect at…
People of the VPFO
-
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.
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.