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
- 
Read more: UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hub UBC breaks ground on $23 million renewable energy hubA new $23 million renewable energy hub will transform an entire city block at the University of British Columbia into a smart energy district, including the province’s first-ever hydrogen refuelling station for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. The energy hub will… 
- 
Read more: First Nations Longhouse Expansion First Nations Longhouse ExpansionA development permit application has been received for a one-storey 168 sq. m addition to the First Nations Longhouse. The addition will make use of the existing exposed post and beam log structure at the east side of the building.… 
- 
Read more: Update on our strategic planUpdate on our strategic planIn November, I sent an update that highlighted our plan to begin a process of transformational change within the VPFO, following our strategic plan’s focus on renewal and optimization. As we start our new fiscal year, I want to share a… 
- 
Read more: Dawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of PayrollDawn Irmscher joins UBC as Director of PayrollDawn brings a wealth of experience in finance, operations, technical, and systems implementation to the university, and most recently served as the Director of Finance for the Sooke School District in Victoria, BC. 
- 
Read more: UBC’s budget for 2021/22 set to bolster EDI, expand student supports, and further the university’s impactUBC’s budget for 2021/22 set to bolster EDI, expand student supports, and further the university’s impactThe UBC Board of Governors has approved the budget for 2021/22, setting spending priorities for the year ahead. In addition to the ongoing recovery from COVID-19, UBC is committed to investing in our students, furthering our academic mandate, and promoting… 
People of the VPFO
- 
Read more: Larisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst IILarisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst IIAs a System Analyst, Larisa will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, and ensuring various technical activities are successfully completed in Planon. 
- 
Read more: Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk ServicesMichaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk ServicesMichaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors. 
- 
Read more: Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team. 
- 
Read more: Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 MechanicSamuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 MechanicSamuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps. 
- 
Read more: Forecasting for a solid futureForecasting for a solid futureRaffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she… 
