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

  • Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO

    VPFO strategic plan asks us to inspire great people. There’s nothing more inspiring than our Presidential Award-winning co-workers and how their dedication and service makes a daily difference at UBC.

    Read more: Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO
  • Safety Practices and Awareness

    This week’s incident at the West Parkade has left some of us reflecting on our safety practices and awareness. I would like to remind our VPFO community about some resources on campus to help you refresh your sense of safety.

    Read more: Safety Practices and Awareness
  • Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT

    In her role, Dawn will be responsible for the overall investment management of UBC IMANT’s portfolios, including the selection and oversight of institutional investment fund managers, and ensuring that UBC IMANT’s strategic and operating objectives are achieved.

    Read more: Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT
  • UBC bioenergy facility acts as Living Lab for climate change leadership

    Energy & Water Services had an operational need to provide heat to the university community and reduce emissions, and researchers in the Faculty of Applied Sciences had an interest in related research. Together, they were able to create a platform…

    Read more: UBC bioenergy facility acts as Living Lab for climate change leadership
  • BRDF, UBC’s innovative heat and power facility boosted by federal investment

    A $20.4 million expansion of UBC’s innovative Bioenergy Facility (BRDF) will receive up to $7.6 million in support from the federal government’s low-carbon economy fund.

    Read more: BRDF, UBC’s innovative heat and power facility boosted by federal investment

People of the VPFO

  • Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2021

    Please join UBC Finance in congratulating Shari Jia, Brianna Bailey, and Nancy (Xi) Yang on passing their 2021 Common Final Exam (CFE), their last exam before becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

    Read more: Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2021
  • Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations

    Curtis joined UBC in February 2017 working on campus street lights before moving to the electrical controls crew where he took on both the green and teal zones. Curtis has vast experience in commercial and industrial settings, and has shown…

    Read more: Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations
  • Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager

    As the Finance Services Manager, Chris will play a vital role in leading the Finance Services Team to support our Community in Finance Period End activities, and the improvement of Workday’s processes. Chris comes to us with 20 years of…

    Read more: Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager
  • Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager

    Kyle’s diverse range of professional skills within project management and project design and construction, coupled with his unique insights into different project roles will be a definite asset to the Project Services team.

    Read more: Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager
  • Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations

    In his new role, Bill will play a key role in leading and completing RFx processes for purchases above $75K. The role is integral to the success of the Procurement Sourcing team by ensuring best procurement practices are being followed.

    Read more: Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations