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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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…
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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…
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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…
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New process for submitting expenses on behalf of students
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First steps towards a Finance Data & Reporting Strategy for UBC
This week we are introducing new tools and resources for the finance community that expand our ability to manage data and develop reports. The first is Calumo, a financial reporting tool, and the second is Power BI, which we are…
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.