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

  • Join Peter Smailes and the IRP leadership for an update on Workday

    Open to all UBC faculty and staff, this call in will share the latest updates on Workday as we countdown to implementation in November 2020. Peter and other IRP leaders will address the community on the benefits of Workday, the improvements…

    Read more: Join Peter Smailes and the IRP leadership for an update on Workday
  • Together against Racism and Injustice

    Recent anti-Black and anti-Asian violence in communities across North America has focused our attention on the deeply rooted racism in Canada and globally. UBC itself is not immune to racism and injustice.

    Read more: Together against Racism and Injustice
  • Questions Relating to Working from Home

    The university’s Finance and Human Resources teams have received a variety of questions relating to working from home, and this information has been prepared to provide guidance on some of these items.

    Read more: Questions Relating to Working from Home
  • Continuation of Spreadsheet-Based Hourly Payroll Process

    With the onset of measures relating to COVID-19 in March this year, UBC’s Payroll team quickly pivoted from a paper timesheet-based system to a spreadsheet-based process for the payment of hourly employees. Please note the process has been extended.

    Read more: Continuation of Spreadsheet-Based Hourly Payroll Process
  • VPFO Teams Featured in Water Canada Magazine

    Several VPFO teams have been featured in Water Canada Magazine for their safe and sustainable stewardship of water on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

    Read more: VPFO Teams Featured in Water Canada Magazine

People of the VPFO

  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rae Ann Aldridge, Executive Director, Safety & Risk Services and her leadership vision: “I am a highly collaborative leader who works with her teams to inspire, influence and innovate towards…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rae Ann Aldridge
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Frank Laezza, VP Finance & Operations and his leadership vision: “I am committed, through my mentorship, collaboration and open communication, to fostering a culture of purpose-driven leadership within the VPFO.”

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Frank Laezza
  • 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners

    The UBC Facilities Staff Excellence Award Program provides recognition and rewards to staff who have demonstrated excellence consistently in the performance of their work and service to the university. Congratulations to our 2023 Staff Excellence Award recipients!

    Read more: 2023 Facilities Staff Excellence Award winners
  • Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations

    Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist and will be joining Building Operations within Facilities starting January 29, 2024. His expertise and data-driven decision-making will enhance asset management procedures, creating efficient and sustainable spaces for research, teaching, and learning…

    Read more: Gilberto Andrade is promoted to Building Asset Specialist within Facilities’ Building Operations
  • Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor

    Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as the new Procurement Programs Advisor on November 8th. She will play a vital role in implementing UBC’s approach for Indigenous procurement, Inclusive procurement, Environmentally Sustainable procurement and other strategic procurement projects.

    Read more: Siret Ulp joins Finance & Integrated Services as Procurement Programs Advisor