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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Read more: New Tool to Enhance the Efficiency of Expense Report Management in Workday
New Tool to Enhance the Efficiency of Expense Report Management in Workday
We will launch of Expense Protect, a tool to help reduce time spent on manual review of Expense Reports in Workday. Expense Protect will analyze data trends from expense reports to provide insights.
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Read more: Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
As part of recent updates within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing, the Centre entrance doors will remain locked during work hours. VPFO staff can now enter the space by swiping their UBC staff cards.
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Read more: We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
As of September 1, 2025, UBC Facilities will be decommissioning our X (formerly Twitter) account @UBCFixMySpace. This change reflects our ongoing efforts to streamline communications and ensure consistent, reliable support for the campus community. For immediate assistance, call the Facilities…
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Read more: New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
A new system called ‘Ascend’ will be implemented this Summer to streamline the invoice triage and entry process across both UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Invoicing standards will remain the same—please continue following standard invoicing and Workday procedures.
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Read more: UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
Construction on the UBC Perception & Cognition Lab (Ongchoco Lab) Renovation is anticipated to begin on July 14, 2025, and to be completed in October 2025.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
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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Read more: Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
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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Read more: Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
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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Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
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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Read more: Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
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.