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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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…
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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…
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Steven Lee is promoted to Learning Spaces team’s Senior Learning Space Planner within Facilities’ Infrastructure Development
Steven will be leading the Learning Spaces team within Facilities Planning and working closely with partners in AV IT and Scheduling Services to ensure the smooth operation and future planning for UBC General Teaching Space (GTS). Steven will be transitioning…
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Increase in mosquito activity may be attributable to this year’s weather pattern
UBC Facilities is aware that there is currently an increase in mosquito activity due to this summer’s weather pattern. Although, some may find mosquitos pesky because of their biting habit, Facilities does not manage the population of this insect.
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The latest Facility Condition Index is available
UBC Facilities has updated the diagrams that shows the condition of UBC Vancouver Point Grey owned buildings as assessed by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills (formerly Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training) in 2022. These diagrams…
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.