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

  • Protecting you and UBC through smarter expense management

    Do you make purchases on behalf of the university? The UBC Visa Corporate Card enables you to make university-related purchases directly and is integrated into the Workday Expense module to allow simpler reconciliation, so you never lose track of an…

    Read more: Protecting you and UBC through smarter expense management
  • T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment

    UBC employees participating in the formal Hybrid Work Program may be eligible to claim home office expenses on their 2024 taxes under CRA’s updated guidelines. For more information, please visit the UBC Finance Portal.

    Read more: T2200 Declaration of Conditions of Employment
  • UBC joins national CASPAR initiative for sustainable procurement

    UBC is part of a new Canadian inter-university working group on sustainable procurement. The group is a collaborative forum with materials, training, and other knowledge-sharing opportunities for procurement practitioners at CAUBO member institutions.

    Read more: UBC joins national CASPAR initiative for sustainable procurement
  • Scarfe Office Block is undergoing electrical renovation starting in May 2025

    The electrical distribution system for the Neville Scarfe Complex is reaching the end of its lifespan and lacks the capacity to meet occupants’ future electrical needs. Construction on the Scarfe Complex Electrical Renovation is anticipated to begin in May 2025…

    Read more: Scarfe Office Block is undergoing electrical renovation starting in May 2025
  • What’s going on with the water? Pressure testing Jan. 27–Feb. 7

    Water supply will remain available during testing, although some buildings may experience mild discolouration in their water or minor water pressure variances. The water remains safe for use and consumption. 

    Read more: What’s going on with the water? Pressure testing Jan. 27–Feb. 7

People of the VPFO

  • 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
  • Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner

    Co-created with the UBC Centre for Accessibility, this newly created role will help UBC develop accessibility design guidelines for new and existing campus buildings. Nicholas is a registered architect with over 10 years of experience in the design of new…

    Read more: Nicholas Potovsky joins Infrastructure Development as the Accessible Buildings Planner
  • David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor

    In his new role, David will oversee the dayshift Custodial Services team and will work out of the Life Building. David comes to us from the Office of the Dean at the Faculty of Education with responsibility for Faculty-wide health…

    Read more: David Sequeira joins Custodial Services as Assistant Supervisor