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

  • Pedaling safety: UBC’s newest bike patrol officers

    Campus Security has been supporting our newest wave of bike patrol officers, who recently completed a bike patrol training course. This training allows them to continue to monitor and respond to our community’s needs promptly.

    Read more: Pedaling safety: UBC’s newest bike patrol officers
  • Staying safe in the summer weather

    As the temperatures rise, learn how to identify signs and symptoms, the risks related to heat-related illnesses and how to protect yourself by completing the Heat Stress Awareness course. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms early on…

    Read more: Staying safe in the summer weather
  • Streamlining backfills and recruitment for Custodial Services

    Custodial Services will be streamlining the process for identifying backfills and facilitating staff moves and recruitment. This change will help facilitate quicker moves of internal staff who are interested in moving to a new shift, and create a quicker turnaround…

    Read more: Streamlining backfills and recruitment for Custodial Services
  • Working behind the scenes to ensure a safe and efficient campus   

    As our campus winds down for the summer term, Facilities’ Energy & Water Services has been busy ensuring safety and smooth operations throughout our campus. 

    Read more: Working behind the scenes to ensure a safe and efficient campus   
  • Read UBC’s 2023 Annual Financial Statements

    The Annual Financial Statements for year ended March 31, 2023, is now available on the UBC Finance website. UBC’s consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of UBC, covering the fiscal year from April 1 to March…

    Read more: Read UBC’s 2023 Annual Financial Statements

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis