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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Brock Commons North officially opens its doors
The University of British Columbia has officially opened the doors of the new Brock Commons North student residence building, providing 316 additional beds for students. The 18-storey, $59 million building is part of the Brock Commons residence area, which includes…
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Connected Leadership: Online and across our campuses
I genuinely believe in the power that people and relationships have to move organizations forward and that the best working relationships are founded upon meaningful personal connections. One way I hope we as individuals can improve our connections is by better…
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Custodial Services launches new Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM)
The IPM Plan employs an approach to pest control which addresses every factor in pest prevention and eradication, placing an emphasis on humane treatment involving recommendations to occupants on best practices to resolve the issue and using non-toxic and least-non…
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Metro Vancouver enters Stage 2 water restrictions
As of August 4, Metro Vancouver enters Stage 2 water restrictions and lawn watering is prohibited. UBC continues to follow Metro Vancouver’s watering regulations.
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Implementing CWL integration to UBC’s Hazardous Waste Inventory Systems (HWIS)
Starting from early to mid-August, users will be able to log into the HWIS using their UBC CWL credentials. This integration aims to streamline the login process and enhance system security and user accessibility.
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.