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

  • UBC celebrates the official opening of the Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories

    Students from British Columbia and around the world can now study for careers in the life sciences, such as genetics, health care, conservation and ecology, in the renovated and expanded Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories at UBC.

    Read more: UBC celebrates the official opening of the Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories
  • Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team

    The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.

    Read more: Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
  • Snow or sun, you are appreciated

    The VPFO does a lot, snow or sun, to keep UBC working. Despite yesterday’s challenges of travelling to campus, working remotely, or by just by preparing our systems on the good days to be resilient enough to handle the tough…

    Read more: Snow or sun, you are appreciated
  • Changes to Print Services at UBC

    Xerox is currently UBC’s preferred supplier of printing services, but the university’s master service agreement with this vendor is due to expire in March 2020. The Strategic Sourcing team in Financial Operations is exploring the best options for print solutions…

    Read more: Changes to Print Services at UBC
  • Saving Energy During UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown

    This past December, departments, building operators and energy managers across UBC joined together to reduce the university’s environmental footprint over the winter holiday by participating in the Seasonal Shutdown.

    Read more: Saving Energy During UBC’s Seasonal Shutdown

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis