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
-
ELIMINATING BANK DRAFTS AS A FORM OF PAYMENT AT UBC
This summer, UBC’s Treasury department and the Accounts Payable unit in Financial Operations initiated a pilot project to move vendors requesting bank drafts to another payment method – with great success.
-
Extension to IRP Workday Timeline
The Integrated Renewal Program (IRP) governance conducted the first of three planned program readiness reviews on October 31. Following this review, a recommendation was issued to the Board of Governors to extend the timeline to ensure the successful implementation of…
-
The Flow of Water: How the VPFO Safeguards UBC’s Critical Supply of H2O
Water is a crucial resource at UBC, for basic human needs and to support research and operations. The simple act of turning on a tap to access a safe and reliable water supply is something students, faculty, and staff depend…
-
Grab a sweater and prepare for a cooler campus
The weather outside is cooling down, which means its time to wear warmer layers and close our windows to stay comfortable and save energy over the winter.
-
SUGAR SHEET PAPER ALTERNATIVE NOW AVAILABLE TO UBC AT REDUCED RATE
Sugar sheet is manufactured using recycled sugarcane waste fibre. This “tree-free” product looks, performs, and feels just like paper — as well as being completely recyclable.
People of the VPFO
-
Larisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst II
As a System Analyst, Larisa will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, and ensuring various technical activities are successfully completed in Planon.
-
Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
-
Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
-
Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
-
Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…