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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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…
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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.
People of the VPFO
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Adam Rosenthal promoted as the Head in Stores with Building Operations
Adam has been an acting Head on many occasions in Stores, and has demonstrated he has the qualities required to be successful in this new role. As a Sub-head, Adam has developed strong relationships, and provided leadership and technical oversight…
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Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.
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Jay Hiscox appointed Director, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Jay has been part of the Infrastructure Development family since joining UBC in November 2016. He joined Project Services as Senior Project Manager, and was later promoted to Senior Manager and then Associate Director.
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Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.
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Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…