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

  • UBC Board of Governors approves balanced operating budget for 2024/25

    UBC is reporting a healthy financial position as part of its 2024/25 budget, approved by the Board of Governors this week.

    Read more: UBC Board of Governors approves balanced operating budget for 2024/25
  • Do your part and Sort It Out

    As we continue our commitment to sustainability, we want to take a moment to remind everyone of the importance of recycling and waste sorting and to continue to sort their personal deskside waste. Learn more.

    Read more: Do your part and Sort It Out
  • Contacting your Direct Travel Advisor

    Direct Travel Advisors can be used for UBC related or personal travel and are able to provide general advice on your travel planning, bookings, and travel cancellation insurances. Learn more on the UBC Finance travel booking page.

    Read more: Contacting your Direct Travel Advisor
  • UBC employees get discounts for rail services between Pearson Airport and Downtown Toronto

    As part of the UBC Travel Program, a 25% discount is now available for UBC employees who sign up with UP Express using their UBC email address for rail services between Pearson Airport and Downtown Toronto for any business-related travels.

    Read more: UBC employees get discounts for rail services between Pearson Airport and Downtown Toronto
  • UBC Launches Workday Assistant Chat Tool

    The Office of the Chief Information Officer and VP Finance & Operations are pleased to announce the launch of Workday Assistant in Workday. Workday Assistant is a conversational chatbot tool for faculty, staff and student employees to optionally use when…

    Read more: UBC Launches Workday Assistant Chat Tool

People of the VPFO

  • Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services

    Today is David Woodson’s last day at UBC as Managing Director, Energy & Water Services after 23½ years of outstanding service and many great memories. I am pleased to announce that Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services while we…

    Read more: Siu Tse will be Acting Managing Director, Energy & Water Services
  • Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit

    Prior to joining us, Shilan was a Research Safety Coordinator at Simon Fraser University, where she acted as the EHS (environment, health, and safety) resource person for the Local Joint Health & Safety Committee to provide updates on policies and practices and address…

    Read more: Shilan Keshvadi joins Safety & Risk Services as Associate, Health & Safety Education and Audit
  • Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting

    Sandy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 16 years of accounting experience across various industries. She will partner with other VPFO team members to continuously improve business processes and enable effective financial management throughout the portfolio.

    Read more: Sandy Sull joins as the Finance Manager, Project Accounting
  • Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities

    Stuart will be responsible for developing and managing programs to achieve the implementation of infrastructure and services plans, reporting to Doug Doyle, Senior Manager, and work closely with the Mechanical Utilities unit.

    Read more: Stuart Gilbert joins Energy & Water Services as the Assistant Civil Engineer in Engineering & Utilities
  • Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff  

    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. See the full list of VPFO team…

    Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s longest-serving staff