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: Engaging and celebrating our JOHSCs and LSTs at Safety Day 2025
Engaging and celebrating our JOHSCs and LSTs at Safety Day 2025
On October 8, representatives of UBC’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSC) and Local Safety Teams (LST) gathered for a full day of learning and recognition for their efforts to ensure health and safety.
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Read more: A message from Frank: Touring the new Gateway Health Building
A message from Frank: Touring the new Gateway Health Building
Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the new Gateway Health Building and felt extremely proud of what our teams have helped bring to life. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this…
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Read more: Updates regarding university cheque mailing on campus
Updates regarding university cheque mailing on campus
As of October 11, 2025, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has moved from a full, national strike to rotating strikes. Campus postal services continue to resume this week, but delays are expected as Canada Post goes into rotating…
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Read more: Refreshed Facilities Manager lookup tool
Refreshed Facilities Manager lookup tool
The Facilities Manager lookup tool has been recently refreshed to help you quickly find information about your building and identify your assigned zone’s Facilities Manager, including their contact details.
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Read more: Plan your vacation early: Make the most of your time off
Plan your vacation early: Make the most of your time off
As year-end approaches, please review your vacation balance and plan ahead. UBC’s policy allows only a limited number of days to be carried over, so scheduling early helps avoid last-minute challenges while supporting your own wellbeing and team continuity. Connect…
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.