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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Coast Salish Two-Spirit Mosaic mural installed
Last week, the Coast Salish Two-Spirit Mosaic mural was installed west of the First Nations Long House (FNLH) building on the West Mall. This mural represents Coast Salish Two-Spirit unity, dignity, and respect.
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Accepting credit card payments over the phone
The acceptance of credit card payments over the phone is deemed to be a transmission of cardholder data. If a Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephone is used as a means of transmission, both the credit card process and UBC…
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What do we mean when we say “budget” at UBC?
UBC’s annual budget process is underway, and our faculties and administrative teams are working on the unit-level financial plans that will feed into the university-wide budget proposal that is presented to the Board of Governors for approval.
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UBC is a BC Hydro Clean Energy Champion
BC Hydro Clean Energy Champions are businesses, homes, and institutions—large and small—recognized for their reduction in their reliance on fossil fuels. BC Hydro praised UBC for its efficient buildings and projects to reduce the use of gas for heating on…
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2023 Financial Information Act Report released
The 2023 Financial Information Act Report is now available. This report publishes supplementary information required by the BC Financial Information Act.
People of the VPFO
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Larisa Rohana joins EMMS Sustainment team in Facilities’ Customer Services & Informatics as a System Analyst II
As a System Analyst, Larisa will be working closely with the Facilities team on all items related to Planon, which includes responding to ServiceNow tickets, reviewing/addressing backlog items, and ensuring various technical activities are successfully completed in Planon.
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Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
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Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
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Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
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Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…