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

  • Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst

    Raffaela will support the building and refinement of the long-term corporate financial model, along with providing analytical support for other strategic initiatives across campus.

    Read more: Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
  • Rae Ann Aldridge appointed as Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services

    In her new role, Rae Ann will be charged with working across campus to enhance UBC’s safety and security. She will be responsible for leading Safety & Risk Services, a new department which is the result of a merger between…

    Read more: Rae Ann Aldridge appointed as Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services
  • Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO

    VPFO strategic plan asks us to inspire great people. There’s nothing more inspiring than our Presidential Award-winning co-workers and how their dedication and service makes a daily difference at UBC.

    Read more: Living and Breathing Service: Recognizing the People of the VPFO
  • Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT

    In her role, Dawn will be responsible for the overall investment management of UBC IMANT’s portfolios, including the selection and oversight of institutional investment fund managers, and ensuring that UBC IMANT’s strategic and operating objectives are achieved.

    Read more: Dawn Jia Announced as President and CEO of UBC IMANT