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

  • Steven Wong joins Comptroller’s Capital Financial Management & Reporting as Finance Manager in Project Accounting

    Steven will be working closely with Capital Planning & Development and Project Services, in Facilities, responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of Facilities projects. This includes project costing, funding, planning, and reporting to support the successful delivery of capital projects…

    Read more: Steven Wong joins Comptroller’s Capital Financial Management & Reporting as Finance Manager in Project Accounting
  • Connection and Collaboration in the VPFO

    After a series of careful and thoughtful discussions with the Senior Leadership Team, we’ve decided to make a change to increase the time we spend together in person. Our work model for those with a hybrid work arrangement will shift…

    Read more: Connection and Collaboration in the VPFO
  • Fostering a culture of purpose-driven leadership

    Welcome to the hustle and bustle of a full campus! I have to say, that’s the first time I’ve seen over 5,000 people line up for a hamburger… What a welcome back to the Vancouver campus! The new school year…

    Read more: Fostering a culture of purpose-driven leadership
  • Safety Awareness Week is September 18-22, 2023

    Let’s start the Academic year off right by learning how to keep yourself and the UBC community safe and secure on campus. During Safety Awareness Week, visit UBC Campus Security’s information booths across various locations on the UBC Vancouver campus…

    Read more: Safety Awareness Week is September 18-22, 2023
  • UBC’s Mass Care exercise comes to life in a full set up

    After several years of planning, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team was able to see the plan come to life in a full set up. The team of UBC staff and volunteers set up registration, group lodging, and feeding…

    Read more: UBC’s Mass Care exercise comes to life in a full set up

People of the VPFO

  • Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk

    Through supporting engagement and communication activities, Wendy will enhance the team’s ability to make data readily available to staff managers.

    Read more: Wendy Lam joins Customer Services & Informatics in Facilities as Clerk
  • Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  

    Custodial Services’ staff celebrated Vaisakhi on Friday morning at the start of the shift in the UBC Life Building Custodial deployment office. Special thanks to Balvir Bains and Charanjit Bains for organizing this celebration!

    Read more: Custodial Services celebrates Vaisakhi  
  • UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head

    Mariyam Syed, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Advisor, will spearhead UBC’s Continuity Planning Program while also providing expertise to numerous other program elements, and Alicia Head, Emergency Management & Continuity Planning Associate, will have a broad support role on the…

    Read more: UBC Emergency Management welcomes two new team members, Mariyam Syed and Alicia Head
  • “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

    Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…

    Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC