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

  • Tania Shepelska joins the Integrated Service Centre as Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager

    Welcome Tania Shepelska, New Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager. Tania joins the Integrated Service Centre (ISC) after her five-year experience with IRP Student where she started as Subject Matter Expert in Records & Advising and then served as…

    Read more: Tania Shepelska joins the Integrated Service Centre as Cross Functional Product Sustainment and Support Manager
  • Ashley Andrews joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst

    We are pleased to welcome Ashley Andrews to Senior Financial Analyst, Capital Financial Reporting. Ashley brings extensive experience in Capital Reporting and Financial Analysis through the preparation of financial regulatory documents, development of complex financial models, and conducting in-depth financial…

    Read more: Ashley Andrews joins Capital Financial Reporting as Senior Financial Analyst
  • Ongoing Support for Calumo

    Over the past few weeks, as the initial steps of developing a finance data and reporting strategy for UBC, we introduced an expanded toolset for our finance community. Thank you to those of you who have so far joined training…

    Read more: Ongoing Support for Calumo
  • Showcasing the VPFO at CAUBO

    We’re proud to recognize our VPFO speakers at the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) Annual Conference on June 3–5. The conference brings together university administrators from across Canada to learn about best practices on hot topics in higher…

    Read more: Showcasing the VPFO at CAUBO
  • New process for submitting expenses on behalf of students

    Read more: New process for submitting expenses on behalf of students

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