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

  • Questions Relating to Working from Home

    The university’s Finance and Human Resources teams have received a variety of questions relating to working from home, and this information has been prepared to provide guidance on some of these items.

    Read more: Questions Relating to Working from Home
  • Continuation of Spreadsheet-Based Hourly Payroll Process

    With the onset of measures relating to COVID-19 in March this year, UBC’s Payroll team quickly pivoted from a paper timesheet-based system to a spreadsheet-based process for the payment of hourly employees. Please note the process has been extended.

    Read more: Continuation of Spreadsheet-Based Hourly Payroll Process
  • VPFO Teams Featured in Water Canada Magazine

    Several VPFO teams have been featured in Water Canada Magazine for their safe and sustainable stewardship of water on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

    Read more: VPFO Teams Featured in Water Canada Magazine
  • EXPENSES RELATING TO WORKING FROM HOME – QUESTIONS ABOUT THE T2200 TAX FORM

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

    Read more: EXPENSES RELATING TO WORKING FROM HOME – QUESTIONS ABOUT THE T2200 TAX FORM
  • Working safely on campus and at home

    Avoid infection and stay safe at work by following Safety & Risk Services guidance on safe working at srs.ubc.ca/covid19.

    Read more: Working safely on campus and at home

People of the VPFO

  • Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations

    Passionate about contributing to the UBC community, Dimitri is a current shop steward, previous union delegate, and participant in two apprenticeship committees. He was awarded the Kim Nulty award in 2020 for his contributions and excellence in categories like employee…

    Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
  • Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time

    A powerful duo in the VPFO, Aletha Utimati, a PMP-certified Project Manager and Sandy Sull, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) bring completely different expertise but share a vision for an innovative campus, a passion for collaboration, and the ability to…

    Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
  • Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate

    Rosanna’s experience in the Research Compliance and Occupational Hygiene team in SRS and consulting industry will be extremely beneficial in her new role. She will be transitioning from the Donald Rix office to join the Facilities Safety team in the…

    Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
  • Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations

    Meynardo joined Building Operations in September 2012 as a carpenter in the Yellow Zone Carpenter and later became the Sub-head for the Carpenter Shop. Bringing a wealth of trade and customer service experience, Meynardo will help to build out processes…

    Read more: Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
  • Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office

    Sandy Zarka will be seconded as the new Manager of Administration and Executive Assistant to the Interim President for the Presidential transition period. While Sandy is with the President’s Office, Holly Rail will continue in her current role as executive…

    Read more: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office