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VPFO Update | The week of June 19, 2023

Updates from the VPFO

  • Helen Yung — Get to Know UBC's New Comptroller: Last week we welcomed Helen Yung to the team as UBC's new Comptroller. Fresh onto campus, we've taken the opportunity to ask Helen more about herself, her views on leadership, and what excites her about working with the VPFO and UBC. Read the full story.   

Strategic Plan updates

Next up: Raffaela Mendel, Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

Born and raised in Germany, Raffaela Mendel has a lot of identities — she’s a former competitive swimmer, a Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis with UBC’s Treasury team, and a mom to her 7-year-old mini-poodle, May.  

Next week, Raffaela sits down with us to talk about what it's like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she drives the university forward as an analyst, learner and connector.


Operations updates

Facilities 

Building Operations, Custodial Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Energy & Water Services, Infrastructure Development, and Municipal Services

  • Road closures for June 25: UBC will be hosting the Vancouver Half Marathon on Sunday, June 25. Marine Drive will be closed throughout the morning. Learn more

Finance

Comptroller, Finance & Operational Excellence and Treasury

  • CRA prescribed interest rate remains at 5% effective July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023: This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans. Learn more 
     
  • Celebrating Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt graduates across UBC: On June 1 we gathered at Performance Theatre in The Nest to celebrate our most recent Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt graduates. Congratulations! See the graduate list and photos from the event  
     
  • Claiming unidentified wire transfers and direct deposits: Please check through the list of unidentified payments (updated as of June 15) to see if any payments belong to your department.

Operations & Advising

Communications & Engagement, Human Resources, and Safety & Risk Services 

  • View the Emergency Preparedness Guide: Knowing what to do in an emergency will reduce anxiety and help keep you focused and safe. Read the Emergency Preparedness Guide to find out everything you need to know in case of a disaster. 
     
  • Start your communications plan: Good communications are always based on a well-thought-out plan. This straightforward approach will guide you through the process. Learn more

The VPFO consists of individuals doing important work to support the university. Our people bring our strategy to life and make our plans into reality. Read more about the people of the VPFO.

Shout outs

  • Congratulations to Carol D'Souza for completing her Post-Degree Diploma in Business Administration at Langara College! Here's a photo of Carol at the convocation last week.
     
  • A big thank you to Rakhee Raj for the many ways she supports the ISC Change and Communications team. She listens, supports, strategizes – and always keeps makes sure the team can have some fun amidst the hectic workflow.
     
  • Thank you to Chris Provencher for supporting the VPFO HR and Finance teams in efficiently closing the positions that are no longer needed in Workday in support of Adaptive Planning, UBC’s new budgeting and forecasting system. You always go an extra mile to collaborate with us and your positive demeanor doesn’t go unnoticed. Great job, Chris! 
     
  • Shout out to the ISC and Treasury teams and other partners for their outstanding collaboration and contributions to the successful launch of the New Services Levy Application, which enables UBC property owners to conveniently claim their taxes. 
     
  • Jen Sheel always finds small and great ways to inspire people to find the best version of themselves. We work closely with Jen on various committees in the VPFO and she has consistently been a positive force for good in the service delivery of our initiatives and programs. Thank you, Jen, for inspiring us to have a spirit of excellence and collaboration! 

Well done! Want to give someone a shout out in the next edition? Submit your kudos in your local recognition program or email communications@vpfo.ubc.ca

People in motion

  • William Swenson is joining Energy & Water Services as a Millwright on June 21.   

Read more about our people on the VPFO website.

Job openings

All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:

  • Operating Engineer (JR13196) – 6/20/2023 
  • Financial Specialist - Accounting (JR13203) – 6/21/2023 
  • Accounts Payable Processor (JR13187) – 6/22/2023 
  • Trades 2 - Carpenter (JR13288) – 6/22/2023 
  • Municipal Engineer (JR13272) – 6/28/2023 
  • Millwright (JR13319) – 6/30/2023 
  • Senior Financial Specialist 1a (Gr 8) (JR13215) – 6/30/2023 
  • Financial Analyst (JR13237) – 6/30/2023 
  • Training Coordinator (JR12676) – 7/4/2023 
  • Workday Security Administrator (JR13235) – 7/8/2023 
  • Trades 2 - Secure Access Tech (JR13273) – 7/13/2023 

Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review Apply for an Internal Job Posting in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.

We are the VPFO: Spotlight

Each week, we'll meet another member of the VPFO as they introduce themselves and their work.

Edward Ganal, Scheduler/Trainer | Custodial Services

Our department is responsible for the custodial care of UBC-owned buildings — and my job is to train, orient and support all new Custodial Services staff on our processes and procedures. Find out everything from our cleaning standards to services we provide on the UBC Facilities website.

 

Notable updates

alumni UBC discounts and services for faculty and staff   

Did you know that alumni UBC offers perks for all faculty and staff? From car rental and meal prep services to real estate purchases and phone plans, discover how you can benefit from these opportunities. 

Learn more 
 

Helpful courses from The Centre for Teaching, Learning & Technology (CTLT) 

Qualtrics Studio (June 26 | August 28 September 25): Learn the latest in survey creation, data analysis and reporting in this monthly workshop. 

Creating Interactive Videos with Kaltura (June 27 | August 30): Practice creating hotpots and video quizzes using Kaltura and learn to share them in Canvas.  

Getting Started with Creating, Editing and Sharing Video Using Kaltura (June 28 | July 18 | August 15): Get started with video content creation, including learning to create engaging video content, streamline your work and engage students. 
 

Share your nature-inspired photos by June 23

Summer is on the horizon and we want you to help celebrate this time of year with your nature-inspired photos. What’s growing in your neighbourhood, kitchen window or garden? What has captured your attention in the great outdoors? Send us a photo and we’ll showcase it through UBC Today.

Find out more


Helpful news

Some interesting news articles our team members have found informative, helpful, or fun! These are provided for information and entertainment only. Unless noted, UBC doesn’t specifically endorse or supply this content.



The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources.

This will be reposted, along with past issues, at vpfo.ubc.ca/news. 

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