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
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Read more: Year End Pay Cycle and Procurement Dates
Year End Pay Cycle and Procurement Dates
Financial Operations has posted the Accounts Payable pay cycle dates for 2019 calendar year end, as well as the procurement deadlines for 2019/2020 fiscal year end for the UBC community.
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Read more: Help reduce energy use and emissions over the winter break

Help reduce energy use and emissions over the winter break
Every action counts! This holiday season help save energy as part of UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown, which lowers the temperature in buildings during the winter break to reduce energy use and emissions on campus.
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Read more: Our Strategy in Action — Our New VPFO Feature Series
Our Strategy in Action — Our New VPFO Feature Series
To illustrate the vision, values and priorities that animate our Strategic Plan, the VPFO has launched a quarterly story series that looks at the connection between people on our VPFO team, and how their individual efforts enable us to collectively…
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Read more: ELIMINATING BANK DRAFTS AS A FORM OF PAYMENT AT UBC
ELIMINATING BANK DRAFTS AS A FORM OF PAYMENT AT UBC
This summer, UBC’s Treasury department and the Accounts Payable unit in Financial Operations initiated a pilot project to move vendors requesting bank drafts to another payment method – with great success.
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Read more: Extension to IRP Workday Timeline
Extension to IRP Workday Timeline
The Integrated Renewal Program (IRP) governance conducted the first of three planned program readiness reviews on October 31. Following this review, a recommendation was issued to the Board of Governors to extend the timeline to ensure the successful implementation of…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
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Read more: Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
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Read more: Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
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Read more: Forecasting for a solid future
Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
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Read more: Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
“Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor, Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…