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

  • Construction begins for UBC Sauder Expansion

    This month, the UBC Sauder Power House Expansion Project will begin construction for a new 11-storey building that will sit on the former Power House site and next to the current Sauder School of Business facility. The demolition of the Power…

    Read more: Construction begins for UBC Sauder Expansion
  • Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC

    We are pleased to introduce the new position of Executive Director, Transformation & Strategy, which will drive UBC’s finance transformation by developing a strategic financial planning and analysis framework aimed at enhancing financial efficiency and modernizing our approach.

    Read more: Strengthening project and data management across the VPFO and UBC
  • Celebrate Circular Economy Month

    Join the Furniture Reuse Program team at the Zero Waste Market this October and November for reduced prices to celebrate Circular Economy Month! The Zero Waste Market sells gently used furniture best suited for home use and small budgets, as…

    Read more: Celebrate Circular Economy Month
  • Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know

    In preparation for the FY25 Q2 forecast in Adaptive Planning, please review the following Q2 2025 Guidelines and References. A Zoom forecast update session will also be available for the Finance community. More information is available on the Finance website.

    Read more: Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know
  • Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel

    Air Canada is in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). If you need to change your Air Canada reservation and have booked through Concur or a Direct Travel agent, please reach out to Direct Travel. Learn more about…

    Read more: Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel

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