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

  • What’s going on with the water? Pressure testing Jan. 27–Feb. 7

    Water supply will remain available during testing, although some buildings may experience mild discolouration in their water or minor water pressure variances. The water remains safe for use and consumption. 

    Read more: What’s going on with the water? Pressure testing Jan. 27–Feb. 7
  • UBC has successfully transitioned all our bank accounts to RBC

    As of January 24, 2025, UBC has successfully transitioned all our bank accounts to RBC, and all HSBC Canada accounts have been closed. The final phase (Phase 3) of the HSBC/RBC transition will focus on stabilizing and monitoring our accounts…

    Read more: UBC has successfully transitioned all our bank accounts to RBC
  • Leena Mahasen joins VPFO as Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy

    Leena Mahasen will be joining as an Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy in the VP Finance & Operations on Monday, February 10. Reporting to the VP Finance & Operations, Leena’s expertise and leadership will play a key role in driving…

    Read more: Leena Mahasen joins VPFO as Executive Director, Transformation and Strategy
  • UBC supplier tax forms for 2024

    UBC mails out a copy of the tax forms (T4A and T5) every year by early February. Suppliers can also download tax forms directly from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

    Read more: UBC supplier tax forms for 2024
  • Masks required in health care facilities

    As of January 6, medical mask-wearing is required in all health care facilities in British Columbia where active patient care is being provided. 

    Read more: Masks required in health care facilities

People of the VPFO

  • Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner

    Co-created with the UBC Centre for Accessibility, this newly created role will help UBC develop accessibility design guidelines for new and existing campus buildings. Nicholas is a registered architect with over 10 years of experience in the design of new…

    Read more: Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner
  • David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor

    In his new role, David will oversee the dayshift Custodial Services team and will work out of the Life Building. David comes to us from the Office of the Dean at the Faculty of Education with responsibility for Faculty-wide health…

    Read more: David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor
  • Fabiola Ruiz-Aguilar joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor, Scientific Diving

    In her new role as Dive Safety Officer, Fabiola is responsible for developing, strengthening and growing the Scientific Diving program in compliance with WorkSafe BC, Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS) and CSA Ocean Sciences — after all the earth…

    Read more: Fabiola Ruiz-Aguilar joins Safety & Risk Services as Safety Advisor, Scientific Diving
  • VPFO HR team update

    Daisy Chan will be going on Maternity leave starting March 2023. During her leave, Kasia Burza will be temporarily promoted to an HR Advisor until September 2024, supporting AVPFO and Treasury. Alysa Garza will be joining as an HR Coordinator…

    Read more: VPFO HR team update
  • Silvia Magnano joins Treasury as Manager, Treasury Contracts & Real Estate

    Silvia comes to us directly from the UBC University-Industry Liaison Office (UILO) where she was a Contracts Officer. Silvia brings both business and legal background to her new role. She was trained and certified as a lawyer in Argentina, where…

    Read more: Silvia Magnano joins Treasury as Manager, Treasury Contracts & Real Estate