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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UBC opens Gordon B. Shrum Building, Canada’s first purpose-built biomedical engineering facility
New home of UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering will advance health solutions and grow Canada’s biotech sector. As Canada’s first purpose-built facility for biomedical engineering, the new building brings together researchers, students, and industry partners under one roof.
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UBC Third Quarter 2024/25 Financial Report is now available
The university’s third quarter 2024/25 financial report is now available on the UBC Finance portal.
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Update on UBC’s and UBCIM Responsible Investing Commitments
The University is committed to continually advancing its responsible investing practices and enhancing existing important work in this area. At this time, we are particularly focused on further integration of social factors, including human rights, in a manner that is…
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UBC Facilities roadmap: Strengthening service for a growing campus
Guided by UBC’s Strategic Plan and the VPFO Strategic Plan—specifically the focus on Collaboration, Customer Service & Engagement, the UBC Facilities Roadmap drives meaningful improvements in how we connect with customers, streamline operations, and elevate the service experience for the…
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Enhancing seismic resilience at UBC
Since 2012, UBC has invested more than $200 million in seismic upgrades to buildings and infrastructure. Read more on the UBC News website.
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.