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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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.
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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…
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Brian Pokojoy joins Integrated Service Centre as Senior Product Manager
As Senior Product Manager, Workday Student, Brian will be responsible for assembling and leading Integrated Service Centre’s new Workday Student product team. This will include supporting the functionality of Workday Student and driving continuous improvement initiatives to ensure that it…
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What does it look like to step outside of your comfort zone? Reflecting on VPFO team members’ acts of courage
VPFO team members shared their stories on February 28, 2024, as hundreds of VPFO staff gathered for our 7th annual Pink Shirt Day . Together, we celebrated this year’s theme of Acts of Courage, with a sub-theme of Brave Spaces…
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Claiming employment expenses with the T2200 form
Although the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) discontinued the T2200S short forms for the 2023 tax year, some may still be eligible to deduct home office expenses with the T2200 detailed form. More information can be found on the Claiming Employment…
People of the VPFO
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…
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Doug Cheung joins Treasury team in the position of Director, Treasury
Doug will be overseeing cash management together with the strategic long-term modelling and will also be involved in strategic initiatives such as the GBE (Government Business Entity) project with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.