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

  • University cheque mailing disrupted due to Canada Post strike

    Canada Post’s operations have shut down as of November 15, due to a national strike. Please expect delays in mail delivery, including cheque delivery for payroll and suppliers.

    Read more: University cheque mailing disrupted due to Canada Post strike
  • Learn more about our Campus Security Road Map

    Campus Security’s roadmap highlights a series of interconnected projects and essential changes within the department’s organization, services, operations, infrastructure, processes, and culture, all aimed at fostering stronger alignment with the community.

    Read more: Learn more about our Campus Security Road Map
  • Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter

    Shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather conditions are common during the fall and winter. Be sure to prioritize safety both on and off the road during these darker months.

    Read more: Stay visible and safe during the fall and winter
  • International Fraud Awareness Week is November 17-23

    See something? Do something. As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, VP Finance & Operations’ Finance & Integrated Services and Enterprise Risk & Assurance (ERA) have partnered to raise awareness about the importance of fraud prevention. Learn more on the…

    Read more: International Fraud Awareness Week is November 17-23
  • Upcoming payroll will be scheduled one day earlier

    UBC is transitioning our banking services to RBC as part of the HSBC Canada sale to RBC. Included in this transition is how employee pay is distributed to employee bank accounts. As a result, the upcoming original UBC pay date…

    Read more: Upcoming payroll will be scheduled one day earlier

People of the VPFO

  • Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations

    Passionate about contributing to the UBC community, Dimitri is a current shop steward, previous union delegate, and participant in two apprenticeship committees. He was awarded the Kim Nulty award in 2020 for his contributions and excellence in categories like employee…

    Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
  • Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time

    A powerful duo in the VPFO, Aletha Utimati, a PMP-certified Project Manager and Sandy Sull, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) bring completely different expertise but share a vision for an innovative campus, a passion for collaboration, and the ability to…

    Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
  • Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate

    Rosanna’s experience in the Research Compliance and Occupational Hygiene team in SRS and consulting industry will be extremely beneficial in her new role. She will be transitioning from the Donald Rix office to join the Facilities Safety team in the…

    Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
  • Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations

    Meynardo joined Building Operations in September 2012 as a carpenter in the Yellow Zone Carpenter and later became the Sub-head for the Carpenter Shop. Bringing a wealth of trade and customer service experience, Meynardo will help to build out processes…

    Read more: Meynardo Villarica steps into new role as Architectural Head in Building Operations
  • Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office

    Sandy Zarka will be seconded as the new Manager of Administration and Executive Assistant to the Interim President for the Presidential transition period. While Sandy is with the President’s Office, Holly Rail will continue in her current role as executive…

    Read more: Staff change as VPFO Administration helps support the President’s Office