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 24/7 Operations Centre structure

    Starting Wednesday, September 1, 2021, a new 24/7 Operations Centre structure will take effect. The Operations Centre is the 24/7 hub located within the University Services Building (USB) that will have oversight of the building Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning…

    Read more: New 24/7 Operations Centre structure
  • Going the extra mile – the custodial teams helping UBC transition back to campus

    When COVID-19 impacted the university last year, it meant that many of UBC’s faculty and staff had to transition to remote work. For the Custodial Services team, their role required them to stay on campus. These same staff are now…

    Read more: Going the extra mile – the custodial teams helping UBC transition back to campus
  • Drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations are reopening

    Starting mid-August 2021, the Facilities team will begin to proceed with un-bagging and flushing all the drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations across the UBC Vancouver campus. Flushing the water will remove any stagnant water from the building’s pipe network…

    Read more: Drinking water fountains and bottle-filling stations are reopening
  • Heat Stress Awareness course available

    The Heat Stress Awareness course is recommended for all workers that are at risk of heat exposure, and for their supervisors to complete. The course was developed to increase your awareness of the risk factors and associated heat disorders related to…

    Read more: Heat Stress Awareness course available
  • VCH vaccination site at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is closing on July 30

    On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the provincial government announced the Vax for BC campaign, announcing that “the Province will gradually refocus its vaccine efforts from mass clinics onto programs targeting the hardest to reach people. In the weeks ahead, B.C.’s…

    Read more: VCH vaccination site at Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is closing on July 30

People of the VPFO

  • Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis

    Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…

    Read more: Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…

    Read more: Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services

    Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek