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

  • T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment

    UBC employees participating in the formal Hybrid Work Program may be eligible to claim home office expenses on their 2024 taxes under CRA’s updated guidelines. For more information, please visit the UBC Finance Portal.

    Read more: T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment
  • UBC joins national CASPAR initiative for sustainable procurement

    UBC is part of a new Canadian inter-university working group on sustainable procurement. The group is a collaborative forum with materials, training, and other knowledge-sharing opportunities for procurement practitioners at CAUBO member institutions.

    Read more: UBC joins national CASPAR initiative for sustainable procurement
  • Scarfe Office Block is undergoing electrical renovation starting in May 2025

    The electrical distribution system for the Neville Scarfe Complex is reaching the end of its lifespan and lacks the capacity to meet occupants’ future electrical needs. Construction on the Scarfe Complex Electrical Renovation is anticipated to begin in May 2025…

    Read more: Scarfe Office Block is undergoing electrical renovation starting in May 2025
  • 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

People of the VPFO

  • Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university

    In alignment with the VPFO and SRS strategic plan, Safety & Risk Services (SRS) is moving to the next step that builds on our strengths and opportunities to continue to align around enhanced safety and reduced risk for faculty, staff,…

    Read more: Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university
  • Cassandra Torres and Evan Lloyd join Safety & Risk Services as Management & Continuity Planning Advisors

    Cassandra Torres (she, her, hers) and Evan Lloyd join the Emergency Management team in Safety & Risk Services as Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisors. Their education and backgrounds in emergency response will be great assets to the team.

    Read more: Cassandra Torres and Evan Lloyd join Safety & Risk Services as Management & Continuity Planning Advisors
  • 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