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

  • Metro Vancouver watering restrictions now in effect

    Stage 1 of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations are in effect from May 1 to October 15, 2025. Both residential and non-residential watering is only allowed once a week, on a specific day. To find out when you are allowed…

    Read more: Metro Vancouver watering restrictions now in effect
  • VPFO Update – May 5

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on May 5, 2025.

    Read more: VPFO Update – May 5
  • Celebrating Earth Day in the VPFO

    Over thirty team members from across the VFPO joined forces for the 5th Annual Earth Day Clean up the Campus event, led by the Facilities’ Waste Management team. Together, we collected over 100 lbs. of trash!

    Read more: Celebrating Earth Day in the VPFO
  • Access high-quality medical supplies with an Indigenous-owned social benefit procurement enterprise

    UBC Procurement Programs is proud to form a partnership with MSS Ltd, an Indigenous-owned social benefit procurement enterprise. Learn more.

    Read more: Access high-quality medical supplies with an Indigenous-owned social benefit procurement enterprise
  • VPFO Update – April 28

    The VPFO Update is a weekly snapshot that captures important university updates, work across VPFO departments, and relevant resources. Sent on April 28, 2025.

    Read more: VPFO Update – April 28

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