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

  • Changes to Payroll Representative Portfolios

    The portfolio composition of our payroll representatives is now based on employee last name. This change will support our service delivery to faculty and staff, who can now more easily find their payroll representative, as well as improving our workflows…

    Read more: Changes to Payroll Representative Portfolios
  • UBC IMANT shares university’s first endowment carbon footprint report

    The UBC Endowment Carbon Footprint Report describes activities undertaken in 2020 as well as initial emissions estimates, and establishes a baseline for evaluating progress against the university’s ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint 45% by 2030.

    Read more: UBC IMANT shares university’s first endowment carbon footprint report
  • Keeping everyone cool while waiting to enter the VCH Vaccination site  

    Huge kudos to our crews for acting quickly and installing misting and portable drinking water stations near for patients that were waiting outside to enter the VCH vaccination site under last week’s heatwave.

    Read more: Keeping everyone cool while waiting to enter the VCH Vaccination site  
  • UBC’S Financial Results for 2020/21

    Our audited financial statements, which were approved by UBC’s Board of Governors on June 24, illustrate a healthy financial position for the university as we close the 2020/21 fiscal year.

    Read more: UBC’S Financial Results for 2020/21
  • Resources for dealing with heat stress and exposure

    Working in hot environments, outdoors and indoors, can affect the body’s cooling system. Find resources and references to help you identify signs and symptoms of heat stress, and guidance to prevent heat exposure.

    Read more: Resources for dealing with heat stress and exposure

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis