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

  • New September Employee Payment Date

    With the introduction of the new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Statutory Holiday on September 30, 2021, the payment date for employees has been moved to September 29, 2021. If possible, please have business processes and timesheets approved a…

    Read more: New September Employee Payment Date
  • Replacing an 800+Lbs Supply Fan Motor in Pulp and Paper Centre

    Last weekend, the millwrights replaced a failed 60 horsepower 800+lbs supply fan motor so the electrical crew could reattach the electrical connections. The area(s) within the Pulp and Paper Centre were impacted and forced to stop their work until this…

    Read more: Replacing an 800+Lbs Supply Fan Motor in Pulp and Paper Centre
  • Update on Contacting Payroll

    Payroll Operations is requesting that all payroll inquiries be submitted via the UBC self-service portal, effective September 1, 2021. Payroll will address the submitted tickets in order of priority, which will assist us in identifying issues impacting our processes as…

    Read more: Update on Contacting Payroll
  • Our next steps for return to campus

    We have all been following the news from the Provincial Government and have seen the recent messages from Santo Ono about the latest changes to COVID-19 public health guidance. We know our return to campus will need to be different…

    Read more: Our next steps for return to campus
  • From the classroom to the virtual space, and back again – How UBC’s Learning Spaces team is getting ready for a return to campus

    The Learning Spaces team is part of UBC Facilities. When it comes to teaching, learning, and research, an optimal physical environment is crucial for creating an experience that is engaging and collaborative. What does the shift away from learning in…

    Read more: From the classroom to the virtual space, and back again – How UBC’s Learning Spaces team is getting ready for a return to campus

People of the VPFO

  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Helen Yung

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Helen Yung, Comptroller and her leadership vision: “I lead my team to provide financial leadership through outstanding performance reporting, budget allocation and management processes, and financial disciplines to enable UBC…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Helen Yung
  • Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager

    As Senior Product Manager, Workday Student, Brian will be responsible for assembling and leading Integrated Service Centre’s new Workday Student product team. This will include supporting the functionality of Workday Student and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that it…

    Read more: Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager
  • Divya Shetty joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Welcome Divya Shetty, New ISC Service Centre Manager. Divya has been with the ISC since May 2023, in her first role as a Service Desk Support Specialist, where she demonstrated an exemplary work ethic, people-first approach and unwavering commitment to…

    Read more: Divya Shetty joins Finance & Integrated Services as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor

    Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services’ Privacy & Information Security Management (PrISM) team, stepping into the role of Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor. Learn more about Eric.

    Read more: Eric Alister joins Safety & Risk Services as Privacy & Information Security Risk Advisor
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know John Metras, Associate Vice-President, Facilities and his leadership vision: “I am an inclusive, action-oriented leader. I engage and empower my team and collaborate with stakeholders to build and maintain a…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: John Metras