Welcome to the VP Finance & Operations portfolio
We are responsible for the stewardship of UBC’s physical and financial assets, as well as safety, risk management, and assurance across our university community.
The portfolio 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: Using UBC’s purchasing power for good
Using UBC’s purchasing power for good
UBC’s inclusive procurement resources are designed to help faculty and staff make purchasing decisions that reflect our institutional values while meeting academic, operational, and budget needs. Read more on the Finance Portal [CWL required].
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Read more: 2026 Styrofoam Pick-up Calendar now available
2026 Styrofoam Pick-up Calendar now available
The 2026 Styrofoam Pick-up Calendar is now available. Municipal Services provides Styrofoam collection on every other Wednesday at select locations on campus where generation of Styrofoam waste is significant.
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Read more: Guided by UBC’s Strategic Directions 2025-30, this process aligns resources with institutional priorities and reinforces UBC’s academic mission.
Guided by UBC’s Strategic Directions 2025-30, this process aligns resources with institutional priorities and reinforces UBC’s academic mission.
UBC continues to take a thoughtful, long-term approach to budgeting, focusing on prudently managing resources for maximum impact. In the fall, the university began its annual, institution-wide budget planning for 2026-27, engaging leaders across faculties and administrative units on both…
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Read more: 🎉 VPFO 2025 Wrapped
🎉 VPFO 2025 Wrapped
A year of impact, growth, and behind-the-scenes wins. As we wrap up 2025, VPFO teams reflect on a year defined by service, collaboration, and progress. From financial systems and workforce planning to risk management and campus safety, here’s how our…
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Read more: A look back on communications in 2025
A look back on communications in 2025
From launching new websites to sharing stories about our people, our work and even a raccoon rescue, the Communications & Engagement team kept the VPFO informed, engaged, and entertained in 2025.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: David Kosub, Project Coordinator: 22 years at UBC before riding into retirement
David Kosub, Project Coordinator: 22 years at UBC before riding into retirement
David started his career at UBC 22 years ago as a cabinet maker. Since then, he has worked with many teams at over 100 buildings across campus. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life after retirement, we invited…
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Read more: Peter Lincoln joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Peter Lincoln joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Peter Lincoln is the successful candidate for the position of Project Coordinator in Project Services within Infrastructure Development. David Kosub will be retiring at the end of June 2021, and Peter will be stepping into his role in Project Services.
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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.