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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Read more: 2026 payroll calendar now available
2026 payroll calendar now available
The 2026 payroll calendar is now available in the UBC Finance Portal. View more important payroll dates on the Your Pay & Taxes page.
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Read more: Upgrading accessibility at Allard Hall with new sit-stand desks
Upgrading accessibility at Allard Hall with new sit-stand desks
UBC Facilities recently tackled a complex project to add sit-stand desks to five classrooms at Allard Hall. The original tables were built-in millwork embedded in concrete, requiring the team to use their creativity and skill to create desks to match.
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Read more: Leadership change in the VP Finance and Operations
Leadership change in the VP Finance and Operations
After nearly two and a half years leading our Comptroller’s group, Helen Yung has decided to move on from the university in pursuit of new opportunities and personal goals. Please join me in thanking Helen for her many contributions to…
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Read more: Planon Requestor(s): Update your Workday phone number
Planon Requestor(s): Update your Workday phone number
All service requests are managed in Planon. To help our teams quickly reach the Planon requestor when an issue is reported or a customer-funded job is requested, please ensure your Workday profile includes your current phone number.
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Read more: Upcoming change to RBC deposit slips and bags distribution – Your input needed
Upcoming change to RBC deposit slips and bags distribution – Your input needed
Treasury was recently informed by the UBC Bookstore that renovation work will begin on November 3, which will affect the current process for distributing RBC deposit slips and bags on UBC Vancouver campus.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
It would be difficult for anyone to argue that Frank Laezza isn’t willing to go the distance for UBC. Fresh off a flight from Perth, Australia, he quite literally came from the opposite side of the planet to take up…
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Read more: Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
In his new role, Oliver will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership within the 16 units of the VPRI portfolio. In addition to managing the portfolio budget of $58M, Oliver will support key initiatives that have significant impact on…
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Read more: Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
Dimitri Kavouras steps into new role as Subhead Controls Electrician in Building Operations
Passionate about contributing to the UBC community, Dimitri is a current shop steward, previous union delegate, and participant in two apprenticeship committees. He was awarded the Kim Nulty award in 2020 for his contributions and excellence in categories like employee…
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Read more: Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
Building a more innovative campus — one project at a time
A powerful duo in the VPFO, Aletha Utimati, a PMP-certified Project Manager and Sandy Sull, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) bring completely different expertise but share a vision for an innovative campus, a passion for collaboration, and the ability to…
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Read more: Rosanna Ma steps into new role as Facilities Safety Associate
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…