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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Update on our strategic plan
In November, I sent an update that highlighted our plan to begin a process of transformational change within the VPFO, following our strategic plan’s focus on renewal and optimization. As we start our new fiscal year, I want to share a…
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Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of Payroll
Dawn brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, technical, and systems implementation to the university, and most recently served as the Director of Finance for the Sooke School District in Victoria, BC.
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UBC’s budget for 2021/22 set to bolster EDI, expand student supports, and further the university’s impact
The UBC Board of Governors has approved the budget for 2021/22, setting spending priorities for the year ahead. In addition to the ongoing recovery from COVID-19, UBC is committed to investing in our students, furthering our academic mandate, and promoting…
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UBC Water Supply Centre now running campus water supply
The aging water pump station located in the Power House is now disconnected from the University Boulevard transmission main, and the new UBC Water Supply Centre is fully running the campus water distribution.
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New team members join the VPFO Operational Excellence team
As part of an effort to improve efficiencies and cost-savings while achieving service excellence within the VPFO, some team members of the Business Services team in Customer Services & Informatics (CSI) in Facilities will be transitioning to the newly formed…
People of the VPFO
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Sean Lynch steps into role as Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities
Starting June 6, Sean Lynch will be Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities. He joined UBC in 2011 in Student Housing & Community Services and joined Custodial Services as Operations Manager in 2017.
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Caroline Macleod promoted to Executive Assistant to Associate Vice-President, Facilities
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this role and will be responsible for liaising with the wider University community and fostering working relationships with Senior Executives across the University. Caroline will be the primary contact person for John Metras,…
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Changes in the VPFO HR team
We are pleased to announce a number of positive changes on the VPFO Human Resources team. We have prepared a service map to help you navigate these changes and understand the roles and assigned departments of our team members.
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Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…