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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Changes to credit card issuance
As part of closing the front counter reception on the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3), new UBC Visa cards and card renewals will be mailed out. Card pickup will no longer be an option. For ongoing…
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Adopting a new Facilities service delivery model
Starting April 1, Facilities will be transitioning to a more streamlined and sustainable service model, and the 15-hour non-billable labour limit for customer-funded services will be discontinued.
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Join the conversation: Get ready for VPFO Day on May 12
On Monday, May 12, join us for a time of connection to talk about our work, our values and the culture we’re building within the VPFO.
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Shifting our UBC Travel Program services
Over the years, there has been a significant shift in the way the community books travel, moving away from the services offered through the University-related travel page. As such, we are shifting and streamlining our contract management and support for…
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Closing the front counter reception on the fifth floor of TEF 3
Effective February 28, the front counter reception on the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3) will be closed. This closure is part of our ongoing review of resources, programs, and processes to improve efficiencies and continuous improvement.
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.