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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The VPFO’s portfolio finance team is evolving to help us perform and grow
When we talk about finance at UBC, we often think about the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) leading the university’s $3.65 billion consolidated budget process. However, what we sometimes overlook is our own portfolio’s finance team who are responsible for…
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Thanks to each of you for your inspired efforts
As many of us are beginning our transition into the holidays, I’d like to say a humble thank you to each of you for your inspired efforts to see us through the push to the end of the calendar year.…
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The VP Finance & Operations is expanding with the addition of UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance
Effective January 15, 2024, the VP Finance & Operations (VPFO) will be welcoming UBC’s Enterprise Risk & Assurance (ERA) team to the portfolio. This strategic transition is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize the university’s organizational structure, enhance operational…
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Construction begins on the Laboratory of Archeology – Iona Building
Construction has begun on the new Community Research Centre in the Laboratory of Archeology at the Iona Building. This project aims to create a new space for housing archaeological collections recovered from ancient villages and other archaeological sites around the…
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UBC launches Zero Waste Market to promote sustainability
UBC’s Furniture Reuse program featured in the Ubyssey. The initiative, lead by the UBC facilities department, aims to reduce waste on campus by promoting the reuse of furniture, electronics and other items.
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.