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 Evaluated As Having “Outstanding Market Position” by Moodys

    Bond credit rating company Moody’s Investors Service (commonly referred to as “Moody’s”) has given UBC an Aa1 rating, reflecting “an outstanding market position supported by robust student demand, and a very strong research reputation which has historically allowed the university…

    Read more: UBC Evaluated As Having “Outstanding Market Position” by Moodys
  • Video: Virtual Hot Lunch with John Metras

    John Metras, Associate Vice-President, Facilities presented at St. John College’s Virtual Hot Lunch Series on January 27, 2021. If you missed the Virtual Hot Lunch with John, or would like to revisit the talk, the event can be viewed on the St John…

    Read more: Video: Virtual Hot Lunch with John Metras
  • Public consultation for School of Biomedical Engineering

    The proposal is for a 14,530 sq. m 5-storey academic building containing teaching, research, and administrative space for the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering. Two online public open house events will be held for this project on February 23, 2021.…

    Read more: Public consultation for School of Biomedical Engineering
  • Public consultation for Hydrogen Fueling Station

    A hydrogen generation and refueling station is proposed for Thunderbird Boulevard west of the Thunderbird Parkade. The project is part of the UBC Clean Energy Research Centre’s Clean, Connected, and Safe Transportation Testbed. The virtual public open house event will…

    Read more: Public consultation for Hydrogen Fueling Station
  • Pre-Approved Suppliers Now Available for Reusable Non-Medical Masks

    In order to facilitate the sourcing and purchasing of masks at UBC, the Financial Operations team — in partnership with UBC’s Safety & Risk Services department — has secured non-exclusive contracts and fixed pricing with three qualified suppliers on an…

    Read more: Pre-Approved Suppliers Now Available for Reusable Non-Medical Masks

People of the VPFO

  • Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations

    In his new role, Bill will play a key role in leading and completing RFx processes for purchases above $75K. The role is integral to the success of the Procurement Sourcing team by ensuring best procurement practices are being followed.

    Read more: Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations
  • Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations

    Raymond has been in the metal shop at UBC for seven years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in layout, fabricating, assembling, welding and installation. He was a participant in the Expression of Interest (EOI) program and is…

    Read more: Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations
  • Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university

    In alignment with the VPFO and SRS strategic plan, Safety & Risk Services (SRS) is moving to the next step that builds on our strengths and opportunities to continue to align around enhanced safety and reduced risk for faculty, staff,…

    Read more: Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university
  • Cassandra Torres and Evan Lloyd join Safety & Risk Services as Management & Continuity Planning Advisors

    Cassandra Torres (she, her, hers) and Evan Lloyd join the Emergency Management team in Safety & Risk Services as Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisors. Their education and backgrounds in emergency response will be great assets to the team.

    Read more: Cassandra Torres and Evan Lloyd join Safety & Risk Services as Management & Continuity Planning Advisors
  • Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services

    Today is David Woodson’s last day at UBC as Managing Director, Energy & Water Services after 23½ years of outstanding service and many great memories. I am pleased to announce that Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services while we…

    Read more: Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services