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 disrupted due to Canada Post strike

    Canada Post’s operations have shut down as of November 15, due to a national strike. Please expect delays in mail delivery, including cheque delivery for payroll and suppliers.

    Read more: University cheque mailing disrupted due to Canada Post strike
  • Learn more about our Campus Security Road Map

    Campus Security’s roadmap highlights a series of interconnected projects and essential changes within the department’s organization, services, operations, infrastructure, processes, and culture, all aimed at fostering stronger alignment with the community.

    Read more: Learn more about our Campus Security Road Map
  • Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter

    Shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather conditions are common during the fall and winter. Be sure to prioritize safety both on and off the road during these darker months.

    Read more: Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter
  • International Fraud Awareness Week is November 17-23

    See something? Do something. As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, VP Finance & Operations’ Finance & Integrated Services and Enterprise Risk & Assurance (ERA) have partnered to raise awareness about the importance of fraud prevention. Learn more on the…

    Read more: International Fraud Awareness Week is November 17-23
  • Upcoming payroll will be scheduled one day earlier

    UBC is transitioning our banking services to RBC as part of the HSBC Canada sale to RBC. Included in this transition is how employee pay is distributed to employee bank accounts. As a result, the upcoming original UBC pay date…

    Read more: Upcoming payroll will be scheduled one day earlier

People of the VPFO

  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC