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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Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
Starting January 11th Steven will be working with the Karamjeet Heer in the Comptroller’s portfolio, with a focus on financial reporting matters.
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Join virtual open house on UBCO in downtown Kelowna
Join us virtually on January 19 at 7 p.m. to learn more about this initiative and share your thoughts during a virtual open house. In partnership with UBC Properties Trust, UBC Okanagan is planning a new building in downtown Kelowna.…
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Spreading some holiday cheer at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park
After the water feature was shut down at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park for the winter months, lights were installed in the park to spread some holiday cheer! Building Operations’ Streets & Operations Support (SOS) team wanted to brighten the park…
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Year End Payment Cycle and Procurement Dates
The final payment cycle dates for 2020 calendar year end, as well as the procurement deadlines for the 2020/2021 fiscal year, are now available for the UBC community on the UBC Finance website.
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Demolition underway at DH Copp Building
After almost 60 years of service, the DH Copp Building is handed over to UBC Properties Trust and behind construction fencing. This is the first step to the demolition of the building which will take place in Spring 2021.
People of the VPFO
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Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Darren Wong joined UBC in 1998 as a project designer, and has been with Project Services since 2011 as an Associate Project Manager. Over the years, Darren’s portfolio continues to grow, working on various renovations, public art, and accessibility-related projects.
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Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
Aziz is a Certified Professional Accountant who brings 25 years of progressive experience in Healthcare.
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Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
Sandy will be working closely with the Budgeting & Reporting team in support of continuous improvement within Financial Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis.
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Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
Stephen is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and LEED Green Associate with over ten years’ experience in Metro Vancouver’s building consulting industry.
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Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela will support the building and refinement of the long-term corporate financial model, along with providing analytical support for other strategic initiatives across campus.