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

  • So, why does sharing gender pronouns in the workplace matter?

    At the VPFO, we each play a role in creating an inclusive work environment and helping UBC’s community members of all gender identities feel safe and supported. One of the ways we can help is by modeling the correct use of…

    Read more: So, why does sharing gender pronouns in the workplace matter?
  • Celebrating Pride on the 5th floor of TEF 3 with Masa Ishida from the ISC

    In celebration of Pride Month in Vancouver, Masa Ishida, Functional Support Analyst from the ISC and the team put together a decoration on the 5th floor of TEF 3.

    Read more: Celebrating Pride on the 5th floor of TEF 3 with Masa Ishida from the ISC
  • Temporary relocation of the three flagpoles to Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

    Due to the construction of the Recreation Centre and the upgrades to Student Union Boulevard, the three flagpoles will be temporarily installed at the East Mall Entrance and Plaza at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre by August 15, 2022.  

    Read more: Temporary relocation of the three flagpoles to Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
  • VPFO teams coming together to support the UBC community under heat warning

    Last week a heat warning was issued for Metro Vancouver and the cooling systems in several buildings on the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus simply could not handle these extreme conditions. Huge kudos to our VPFO teams’ teamwork and dedication…

    Read more: VPFO teams coming together to support the UBC community under heat warning
  • Fly-through video of UBC’s New Recreation Centre

    The new facility will provide much needed recreation space including a state of the art fitness centre, three gymnasiums, an indoor track, and many other amenities. Watch this fly-through video of the New Recreation Centre on UBC Recreation’s YouTube channel.

    Read more: Fly-through video of UBC’s New Recreation Centre

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