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: Do you know the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Do you know the signs and symptoms of heat stress?
Get ready for rising temperatures, and learn how to identify signs and symptoms, the risks related to heat-related illnesses and how to protect yourself by completing the Heat Stress Awareness course on the WPL website. When a worker is hot…
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Read more: Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic closing University Services Building location
Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic closing University Services Building location
The Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic located within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing at USB will be phasing out their services for the location. As of June 30, 2025, physiotherapy services will be relocating to the nearby…
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Read more: Understand your safety role at UBC, whether you’re a student, faculty, staff, or volunteer
Understand your safety role at UBC, whether you’re a student, faculty, staff, or volunteer
All members of the UBC community have a role to play in supporting the University’s Safety Accountability structure. Whether you are supervising others, conducting research, providing services, or participating in academic activities, understanding your responsibilities are essential to maintaining a…
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Read more: Joining the conversation at VPFO Day
Joining the conversation at VPFO Day
On May 12, 2025, the VPFO portfolio came together to explore how our values of innovation, unity, and accountability, empower us to shape the future of our portfolio and support UBC. Relive the moments from VPFO Day through our event recordings…
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Read more: Are you earthquake ready? Join a free workshop for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13
Are you earthquake ready? Join a free workshop for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13
In Vancouver, we are at risk of significant emergencies, including large earthquakes. Join a free personal emergency preparedness workshop designed for UBC Faculty and staff on June 13, 12:00–1:30 pm (online).
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.