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

  • A friendly reminder to run the cold water taps to ensure water is fresh

    As many buildings on campus have reduced occupancy, we want to remind everyone that running the cold water taps until the water is cold is an important step before drinking or using for food preparation. This will ensure the water…

    Read more: A friendly reminder to run the cold water taps to ensure water is fresh
  • Extension to UBC’s Year End Schedule

    The university’s year end process is currently ongoing, although this cycle has experienced several disruptions. To give UBC’s financial community as much time as possible to process year end, the schedule has been extended by a few days.

    Read more: Extension to UBC’s Year End Schedule
  • Construction projects remain active on campus

    As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the province has listed construction as an essential service in B.C. Worksites are taking all necessary precautions as advised by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Provincial Health Officials.

    Read more: Construction projects remain active on campus
  • Changes to UBC’s Hourly Payroll Process

    In order to ensure the timely processing of UBC’s hourly payroll, given the impact of COVID-19 measures, the university’s Payroll team has established a new process to eliminate the need for paper timesheets to collect, approve, and process hours for…

    Read more: Changes to UBC’s Hourly Payroll Process
  • Contact the Service Centre for all buildings and grounds related inquiries

    The Service Centre is open and the most effective and efficient platform for us to track, respond, and prioritize all buildings and grounds related inquiries, as well as Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) related requests.

    Read more: Contact the Service Centre for all buildings and grounds related inquiries

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis