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

  • Construction begins on UBC’s Recreation Centre North

    Construction is underway on a new recreation centre that will triple the amount of indoor fitness and recreation space at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. The new facility will feature three gyms, indoor track, and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

    Read more: Construction begins on UBC’s Recreation Centre North
  • VPFO Monday Update – October 3, 2022

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on October 3, 2022.

    Read more: VPFO Monday Update – October 3, 2022
  • Facilities completing the annual Confined Space Rescue Team exercises

    Facilities’ Energy & Water Services and Building Operations recently completed their annual Confined Space Rescue Team on-site exercises. Rescuers were presented with different scenarios that required them to take the necessary steps to recognize, evaluate and develop a rescue plan to…

    Read more: Facilities completing the annual Confined Space Rescue Team exercises
  • UBC receives the NAFA Clean Air Awards

    Facilities received eight NAFA Clean Air Awards for UBC buildings this year — AMS Student Nest, UBC Aquatic Centre, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), Forest Sciences Centre, Henry Angus Building, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and Wayne &…

    Read more: UBC receives the NAFA Clean Air Awards
  • Migrating to TouchNet, the new digital payment solution at UBC

    With the transition to Workday, the university has identified TouchNet as the new solution that will facilitate all digital payment transactions across all UBC campuses. To help our community stay informed and updated, the DPP launched a website, where you…

    Read more: Migrating to TouchNet, the new digital payment solution at UBC

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