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
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Read more: Reminder to set up your supplier early in Workday

Reminder to set up your supplier early in Workday
As we head towards the end of the fiscal year, there is an expected increase in the volume of financial transactions and requests within Workday. A reminder to UBC requestors — those purchasing goods or services — to ensure your…
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Read more: Claiming your personal tax credits

Claiming your personal tax credits
Tax credits are deductions you may be able to claim when you complete and submit your income tax return. If you require additional assistance with updating your tax elections, please submit a Workday support request through the UBC Self Service…
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Read more: Facilities teams supporting extreme weather events and keeping our community safe

Facilities teams supporting extreme weather events and keeping our community safe
2021 certainly was an unprecedented year for those working on campus to support extreme weather events. A big thank you goes out to team members across Facilities who support extreme weather such that the university can continue to operate in…
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Read more: Here Is Why Your Net Pay May Be Lower in January

Here Is Why Your Net Pay May Be Lower in January
Find out why your net pay may be lower in January, how it affects your personal credit return, and how to get support on updating your tax elections.
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Read more: Preliminary approval received for the downtown Kelowna project

Preliminary approval received for the downtown Kelowna project
The UBC Downtown Kelowna project recently received preliminary approval from the Board of Governors meeting on December 5, 2021 to move forward with this project. Since February 2021, design work has been in progress and is on track for construction…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan Weinberg promoted to Project Coordinator in Infrastructure Development, Facilities
Jonathan joined UBC in September 2019 working as a project carpenter in Building Operations. He participated in continuing education by volunteering for the Expression of Interest Program (EOI) program back in 2020, and since then has supported the crew as…
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Read more: Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Leadership change within the Vice-President, Finance and Operations portfolio
Peter Smailes, Vice-President, Finance and Operations, is leaving UBC to take up a new opportunity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University as their Vice-President, Administration.
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Read more: Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Eve Neesham-Grenon joins Safety & Risk Services as Biological & Radiation Safety Associate
Research Compliance & Occupational Hygiene with Occupational Health & Safety welcomes Eve Neesham-Grenon to the team as the Safety Associate focused primarily on the Biological & Radiation Safety Programs. Eve brings a fantastic mix of laboratory and hygiene experience to…
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Read more: Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
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Read more: Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Lubna Shawwa joins Operational Excellence as Continuous Improvement Program Manager
Leveraging her robust experience in continuous improvement and problem solving, in addition to her passion for driving efficiency and collaboration, Lubna will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.