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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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…
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UBC’s HVAC teams are making sure we can breathe easy
Over the past 18 months, learning, research, and work at UBC have been taking place remotely, wherever possible. But one group of people has diligently stayed on campus to keep its infrastructure humming through all this time: the teams responsible…
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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.
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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.
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
Reporting to Chen Shi, Treasury Accounting Manager, Esther will continue to be responsible for the incoming payments while playing a critical role in more complicated bank reconciliations and other banking side responsibilities.
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
In her new role, Josephine will play a key role in developing the Strategic Initiatives’ multi-year forecasting model and maintaining various financial models (i.e. Contingency and PAEI) at UBC.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC.
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Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.