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

  • University cheque mailing resuming as normal starting December 17

    Canada Post has announced it is resuming operations on Tuesday, December 17. All cheques produced for students, employees, and suppliers that were held for pickup at UBC during the postal strike will be mailed out with immediate effect.

    Read more: University cheque mailing resuming as normal starting December 17
  • A warm thank you for an impressive 2024

    As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for your incredible efforts and reflect on what the VPFO team has achieved in 2024.

    Read more: A warm thank you for an impressive 2024
  • Why your net pay may be lower in January

    Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI) deductions have a yearly maximum earnings limit. Once these limits are reached during the calendar year, the deductions stop for the rest of the calendar year. Learn more on the Finance website.

    Read more: Why your net pay may be lower in January
  • Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance

    Metro Vancouver water crews are working within the City of Vancouver December 3–5, which may cause cloudy water. The water is still safe for consumption and use.

    Read more: Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance
  • 2024 tax information and what to expect for 2025

    2024 T4 and T4A tax slips will be available on or before February 28, 2025. A Workday Announcement (shared on the home page of your Workday account) will advise you when they are available for you to download. More information…

    Read more: 2024 tax information and what to expect for 2025

People of the VPFO

  • Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services

    Today is David Woodson’s last day at UBC as Managing Director, Energy & Water Services after 23½ years of outstanding service and many great memories. I am pleased to announce that Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services while we…

    Read more: Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services
  • Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit

    Prior to joining us, Shilan was a Research Safety Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where she acted as the EHS (environment, health, and safety) resource person for the Local Joint Health & Safety Committee to provide updates on policies and practices and address…

    Read more: Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit
  • Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting

    Sandy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 16 years of accounting experience across various industries. She will partner with other VPFO team members to continuously improve business processes and enable effective financial management throughout the portfolio.

    Read more: Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting
  • Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities

    Stuart will be responsible for developing and managing programs to achieve the implementation of infrastructure and services plans, reporting to Doug Doyle, Senior Manager, and work closely with the Mechanical Utilities unit.

    Read more: Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities
  • Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff  

    The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC. See the full list of VPFO team…

    Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff