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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HSBC Global Disbursements transitions to RBC International Pay
As part of the HSBC-RBC transition, UBC is transitioning to RBC’s International Pay on January 17, 2025. Please note there is a difference in the level of supported currencies between RBC’s International Pay and the previous platform HSBC Global Disbursement.
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Find the room you need with the new Find a Space tool!
The updated Find a Space tool on the Learning Spaces website is now live and ready for use! This upgraded tool provides advanced search options for buildings, classrooms, and spaces related to teaching and learning.
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UBC Alert testing on January 17 — are you in the loop?
UBC Alert will be sending out a test notification to UBC Vancouver and Okanagan students, faculty, and staff via a phone call and text message on Friday, January 17, 2025. Make sure your mobile number is up to date on Workday.
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Your data, your privacy: Join the conversation
Privacy Matters @ UBC is excited to host Data Privacy Week from January 28 to 30, 2025, a series of informative and insightful sessions focusing on privacy and information security. You’re invited to engage in discussions about crucial privacy issues…
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Brad Klaiber joins the Office of the Comptroller as Senior Director, Accounting and Compliance
We are pleased to welcome Brad Klaiber as the new Senior Director, Accounting and Compliance, joining the Office of the Comptroller on January 6, 2025. Reporting to the Comptroller, Brad will be entrusted with providing leadership to the Finance Reporting…
People of the VPFO
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Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
Reporting to Chen Shi, Treasury Accounting Manager, Esther will continue to be responsible for the incoming payments while playing a critical role in more complicated bank reconciliations and other banking side responsibilities.
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
In her new role, Josephine will play a key role in developing the Strategic Initiatives’ multi-year forecasting model and maintaining various financial models (i.e. Contingency and PAEI) at UBC.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC.
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Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.