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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UBC Completes Initial Transitioning of Funds Through the Responsible Investing Strategy
As part of UBC’s commitment to a low-carbon, sustainable future and divesting the endowment, the university is pleased to share that $34M of endowment funds have been transitioned to fossil-fuel-free investments.
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Faculty and Staff Tax Slips for the 2020 Tax Year will be Available in Workday
This year, T4 tax slips (and T4As, where applicable) will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system before the end of February, in line with Canadian tax legislation.
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UBC planning $315 million facility expansion of medical research and nursing schools
The Vancouver Urbanized blog shared an overview of some key projects planned for the Point Grey campus, including new health sciences facilities located at the main gateway into the campus.
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Claiming home office expenses — updated CRA guidance
Recognizing the special circumstances of the 2020 tax year, the CRA has announced two new ways employees may be able to claim home office expenses.
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John Metras, UBC’s AVP Facilities to speak at St. john’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series
On January 27, St. John’s College’s Hot Lunch speaker series invites you to meet over lunch with a group of our colleagues from across the university, and share thoughts and conversations about how we might work toward the goal of…
People of the VPFO
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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.
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Conor Cregg-Guinan steps into new role as Operations Manager, Custodial Services in Facilities
In his new role, Conor will oversee the Dayshift custodial operation and the utility worker teams, and be responsible for the maintenance and execution of the pest control, window cleaning and carpet cleaning contracts.
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Helen Shen 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, Helen will play a key role in enhancing and delivering continuous improvement projects across UBC.
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Christian Stockman promoted to Senior Advisor in Privacy & Information Security (PrISM)
Since joining PrISM in 2017, Christian has worked on the online Privacy and Security Fundamentals training roll-out and has been a valued member of the PIA team.