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

  • UBC transitioning to new customs broker: Thompson Ahern

    For international shipments, UBC will be transitioning to a new customs broker of record, Thompson Ahern who will take over from the university’s current broker Livingston International as of August 12, 2021.

    Read more: UBC transitioning to new customs broker: Thompson Ahern
  • Payroll moves into new location

    As of July 22, 2021, the Payroll team has relocated from the Technology Enterprise Facility (TEF) 3 office on Agronomy Road to their new home at 5958 Webber Lane in Wesbrook Village.

    Read more: Payroll moves into new location
  • Scott Stevens promoted as High Voltage Electrical Sub-Head in Energy & Water Services

    Scott Stevens will be joining the Supervisory Organization of Electrical Trades with Energy & Water Services at the Campus Energy Center location. His role as Sub-Head starts on August 3, 2021.

    Read more: Scott Stevens promoted as High Voltage Electrical Sub-Head in Energy & Water Services
  • July 15 VPFO Townhall presentation and slides

    Our VPFO townhall looked back on our experiences over the past year and forward to a brighter fall and beyond. It was recorded on Zoom and the presentation slides are available in PDF.

    Read more: July 15 VPFO Townhall presentation and slides
  • 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

People of the VPFO

  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC
  • Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development

    In his new role, Noel will be leading one of the teams of project managers in Project Services, and continue his present scope of work of directly managing complex projects such as Jack Bell Building Renewal and Faculty of Applied…

    Read more: Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development
  • Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer

    She joins us from BCIT as the Energy Manager, where she managed a team of engineers and BMS technicians to implement robust process improvements to increase energy efficiency across the Institute. The projects and process improvements she has implemented during…

    Read more: Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer