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

  • Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know

    In preparation for the FY25 Q2 forecast in Adaptive Planning, please review the following Q2 2025 Guidelines and References. A Zoom forecast update session will also be available for the Finance community. More information is available on the Finance website.

    Read more: Preparing for FY25 Q2 Forecast: What you need to know
  • Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel

    Air Canada is in negotiations with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). If you need to change your Air Canada reservation and have booked through Concur or a Direct Travel agent, please reach out to Direct Travel. Learn more about…

    Read more: Air Canada labour negotiations and your travel
  • Regular testing and maintenance lead to quick action in an emergency

    Fire alarms are the first line of defence against the effects of fire, providing early warning to occupants and enabling swift action to mitigate property damage. Thank you to all our teams and crews for the swift response and all…

    Read more: Regular testing and maintenance lead to quick action in an emergency
  • Visit our VPFO booths at UBC’s Welcome Back BBQ

    Campus Security and Emergency Management from Safety & Risk Services, and Procurement Programs from Finance & Integrated Services will all have a booth at the UBC Welcome Back Staff and Faculty BBQ on September 11. Stop by, come say hello…

    Read more: Visit our VPFO booths at UBC’s Welcome Back BBQ
  • Brock Commons South opens to welcome its first cohort of students

    With construction now complete for Brock Commons South, UBC expands its Vancouver campus with the new residence. We extend our gratitude to all our teams who contributed in making this project a reality. The new facility serves not only as…

    Read more: Brock Commons South opens to welcome its first cohort of students

People of the VPFO

  • Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis

    Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…

    Read more: Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager

    Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…

    Read more: Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services

    Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek

    Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek