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

  • 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.…

    Read more: Join virtual open house on UBCO in downtown Kelowna
  • 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…

    Read more: Spreading some holiday cheer at UBC Hospital’s Patient Park
  • 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.

    Read more: Year End Payment Cycle and Procurement Dates
  • 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. 

    Read more: Demolition underway at DH Copp Building
  • BRDF Air Quality Permit Notification & Consultation

    Energy & Water Services is currently seeking an amendment to its air emissions permit for the Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility (BRDF) to reflect recent process changes and optimizations. The public is invited to submit comments by December 28, 2020.

    Read more: BRDF Air Quality Permit Notification & Consultation

People of the VPFO

  • Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis

    Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…

    Read more: Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…

    Read more: Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services

    Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek