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

  • UBC IMANT shares university’s first endowment carbon footprint report

    The UBC Endowment Carbon Footprint Report describes activities undertaken in 2020 as well as initial emissions estimates, and establishes a baseline for evaluating progress against the university’s ambitious goal of reducing its carbon footprint 45% by 2030.

    Read more: UBC IMANT shares university’s first endowment carbon footprint report
  • Keeping everyone cool while waiting to enter the VCH Vaccination site  

    Huge kudos to our crews for acting quickly and installing misting and portable drinking water stations near for patients that were waiting outside to enter the VCH vaccination site under last week’s heatwave.

    Read more: Keeping everyone cool while waiting to enter the VCH Vaccination site  
  • UBC’S Financial Results for 2020/21

    Our audited financial statements, which were approved by UBC’s Board of Governors on June 24, illustrate a healthy financial position for the university as we close the 2020/21 fiscal year.

    Read more: UBC’S Financial Results for 2020/21
  • Resources for dealing with heat stress and exposure

    Working in hot environments, outdoors and indoors, can affect the body’s cooling system. Find resources and references to help you identify signs and symptoms of heat stress, and guidance to prevent heat exposure.

    Read more: Resources for dealing with heat stress and exposure
  • Annual Drinking Water Quality Monitoring program report is now available

    This report re-affirms UBC’s commitment to deliver safe and high-quality drinking water, and outlines the Drink Water Quality Monitoring Program and its results for the year 2020.

    Read more: Annual Drinking Water Quality Monitoring program report is now available

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