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

  • Expanding fuel resilience at UBC

    Teams from Environmental Protection, Emergency Management and Energy & Water Services collaborated to expand the back-up diesel supply at the Campus Energy Centre by replacing the existing 42,000 litre tank with two 100,000 litre tanks.

    Read more: Expanding fuel resilience at UBC
  • T2200 UPDATE — EXPENSES RELATING TO WORKING FROM HOME

    Many members of the UBC faculty and staff community have moved to working-from-home scenarios as a result of COVID-19, and the university’s finance teams have received some questions about whether UBC will be issuing T2200 tax forms for the 2020…

    Read more: T2200 UPDATE — EXPENSES RELATING TO WORKING FROM HOME
  • Building Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within the VPFO

    A lot has happened in the world and our university to bring unconscious bias, systemic racism, and other related equity and inclusion conversations to the forefront. Our journey together into EDI is one I am looking forward to and ask…

    Read more: Building Equity, Diversity and Inclusion within the VPFO
  • It’s one month to go-live for Workday, Planon and the Integrated Service Centre

    Over the past two years, we have been accelerating towards a renewal of our key business systems. This week, we are only one month away from our November 2 go-live date and our continued collective engagement in training and other…

    Read more: It’s one month to go-live for Workday, Planon and the Integrated Service Centre
  • 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.

    Read more: Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services

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