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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Don’t feed the clog monster
Every time you flush paper towel, the dreaded clog monster grows, creating an increasingly large clog down in the building’s pipe system. This menacing fiend lurks in our pipes, causing clogs and backups in your spaces. The clog monster leads…
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Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned maintenance
As part of planned maintenance, Metro Vancouver water crews are working within the City of Vancouver, which may cause turbid water. There is a small possibility of increased water cloudiness in parts of Vancouver (including UBC) during this work. The…
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$7-million donation from Dan On Foundation seeds the future of food innovation at UBC
A $7-million donation from the Dan On Foundation will fund the building of UBC’s Food and Beverage Innovation Centre, set to formally open in early 2025. The centre will help the agri-food industry in B.C. and beyond by providing access…
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UBC First Quarter 2024/25 Financial Report is now available
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Pedestrian bridge renovations underway at UBC Botanical Garden
UBC Botanical Garden is currently undergoing construction to replace seven pedestrian bridges. While the garden remains open to visitors, some pathways will be temporarily closed to allow for the safe completion of this work.
People of the VPFO
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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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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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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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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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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.