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
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MacLeod Building Renewal public consultation will take place online
Due to precautions in place for COVID-19, public consultation will take place online. Please review project materials and submit comments or questions via the feedback form on the Campus & Community Planning website by April 9, 2020. Construction is anticipated…
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Enhanced Security Measures on the Vancouver Campus
Heightened security procedures and processes are in place on the UBC Vancouver campus to enhance the well-being and protect the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Please have your UBC ID, or equivalent, on display or ready to show when…
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The VPFO is working with the rest of UBC in its response to COVID-19
In this uncertain time the VPFO continues to provide some of UBC’s crucial services while protecting those that operate them.
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Thank you VPFO, for your extra efforts regarding coronavirus COVID-19
Thank you for all of your extra efforts over the past few weeks to help UBC navigate the situation regarding the coronavirus COVID-19. This is new for the university, and we need to ensure we all keep up the good…
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Have your say! Help define Inclusive Washrooms at UBC
During the month of March and April, we are asking students, faculty, staff, and visitors to share their experiences, challenges, needs, and ideas to help define Inclusive Washrooms at UBC.
People of the VPFO
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Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…