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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Working together to create a smooth exam setup process
Setting up exam spaces is not an easy task. This year, the Learning Spaces team took over the coordination of final exam setup, working together with Custodial Services and Municipal Services to continue improving the exam setup process.
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Metro Vancouver’s watering restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2024
Did you know that your lawn needs as little as 2 cm of water a week— equivalent to one hour of rain or watering—to stay healthy? Starting May 1, stage 1 of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in…
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Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.
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Ant season is here
Ants are one of the most common structural pests, capable of quickly turning from a minor nuisance into a persistent problem. Learn about what draws ants into your workspace to help manage and prevent infestations.
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HSBC-RBC Transition project website is now live
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada (HSBC) was legally completed on March 28, 2024. A new HSBC-RBC Transition project website has been created to help the finance community follow along with UBC’s transition plan.
People of the VPFO
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Sean Lynch steps into role as Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities
Starting June 6, Sean Lynch will be Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities. He joined UBC in 2011 in Student Housing & Community Services and joined Custodial Services as Operations Manager in 2017.
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Caroline Macleod promoted to Executive Assistant to Associate Vice-President, Facilities
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this role and will be responsible for liaising with the wider University community and fostering working relationships with Senior Executives across the University. Caroline will be the primary contact person for John Metras,…
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Changes in the VPFO HR team
We are pleased to announce a number of positive changes on the VPFO Human Resources team. We have prepared a service map to help you navigate these changes and understand the roles and assigned departments of our team members.
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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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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…