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

  • 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.

    Read more: Steven Bao Joins UBC as Finance Director, Special Projects
  • 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

People of the VPFO

  • Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations

    Curtis joined UBC in February 2017 working on campus street lights before moving to the electrical controls crew where he took on both the green and teal zones. Curtis has vast experience in commercial and industrial settings, and has shown…

    Read more: Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations
  • Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager

    As the Finance Services Manager, Chris will play a vital role in leading the Finance Services Team to support our Community in Finance Period End activities, and the improvement of Workday’s processes. Chris comes to us with 20 years of…

    Read more: Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager
  • Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager

    Kyle’s diverse range of professional skills within project management and project design and construction, coupled with his unique insights into different project roles will be a definite asset to the Project Services team.

    Read more: Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager
  • Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations

    In his new role, Bill will play a key role in leading and completing RFx processes for purchases above $75K. The role is integral to the success of the Procurement Sourcing team by ensuring best procurement practices are being followed.

    Read more: Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations
  • Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations

    Raymond has been in the metal shop at UBC for seven years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in layout, fabricating, assembling, welding and installation. He was a participant in the Expression of Interest (EOI) program and is…

    Read more: Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations