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: UBC opens $45M Beaty Biodiversity Centre expansion
UBC opens $45M Beaty Biodiversity Centre expansion
The new expansion will boost research and collaboration to tackle biodiversity loss with new spaces and technologies. Thank you to everyone involved in this project and who will be maintaining this building moving forward.
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Read more: Disruptions to university cheque mailing due to Canada Post job action
Disruptions to university cheque mailing due to Canada Post job action
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has launched a national strike as of September 25, 2025. Please expect delays in mail delivery, including cheque delivery for payroll and suppliers.
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Read more: Join the Cybersecurity Awareness Month events in October!
Join the Cybersecurity Awareness Month events in October!
Cyber threats are evolving and so is UBC’s response. This October, join us for timely workshops, new resources, and the Privacy Matters @ UBC Symposium on October 29.
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Read more: Save lives with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Save lives with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an easy-to-use, portable device that can restart the heart of a person who is in cardiac arrest. AEDs are located in many buildings at UBC.
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Read more: Custodial Services leading the way
Custodial Services leading the way
Our team has received international recognition through the nomination of the Director of Custodial Services for the ISSA Emerging Leaders Rising Stars award.
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.