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: Potential delays to university cheque mailing due to Canada Post job action
Potential delays to university cheque mailing due to Canada Post job action
Canada Post’s operations are being impacted by strike action as of May 25. While Canada Post continues to operate, users may experience delays in mail delivery, including cheque delivery for payroll and suppliers.
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Read more: UBC’s report on fighting against forced labour and child labour in Supply Chains now available
UBC’s report on fighting against forced labour and child labour in Supply Chains now available
This report outlines the initiatives that were undertaken during the previous fiscal year, to help identify and assess risks associated with forced labour and child labour within our own supply chains, as well as forthcoming actions. Read the full report…
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Read more: VPFO Update – May 20
VPFO Update – May 20
The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on May 20, 2025.
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Read more: Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23
Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23
The project is estimated to be complete by the end of August 2025. There will be no access to this elevator for the duration of construction. Please use the stairs on the north or south end of Buchanan Block C…
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Read more: The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded
The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important transition — especially our partners and business users — for your collaboration, patience, and adaptability throughout the process. With these changes now in place, all UBC HSBC Canada bank accounts have…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Read more: Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Read more: Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Read more: Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Read more: Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…