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

  • VPFO Monday Update – October 11, 2022

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on October 11, 2022.

    Read more: VPFO Monday Update – October 11, 2022
  • Safety Day was a huge success 

    n October 4, Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHSC) Committee and Local Safety Team members across UBC gathered to network, celebrate and learn from our 16 vendor tables from our very own Campus Security and Emergency Management teams as well…

    Read more: Safety Day was a huge success 
  • Protect yourself from the flu

    Starting October 11, 2022, Influenza (flu) vaccines will be available at community pharmacies across British Columbia. Book your flu vaccine through the provincial government’s Get Vaccinated system and locate a clinic on ImmunizeBC. For members of the UBC Community, there…

    Read more: Protect yourself from the flu
  • Get Ready to ShakeOut

    On October 20, 2022, practice how to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON at 10:20 a.m. during the annual Great BC ShakeOut. Tour UBC’s Earthquake Engineering Research Facility (EERF), and in the evening, attend the SAN ANDREAS movie screening complete with…

    Read more: Get Ready to ShakeOut
  • Project teams are working diligently to minimize impact

    Many construction projects have planned for noisy work to be completed during the summer months, however, due to delays in materials and resource shortages, some of the work is continuing into the fall and impacting students, faculty, and staff.

    Read more: Project teams are working diligently to minimize impact

People of the VPFO

  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC