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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New Asbestos Awareness course available for UBC community
Developed by Safety & Risk Services, the newly launched Asbestos Awareness course is designed to enhance faculty, staff and student workers’ knowledge about asbestos as facilities on the Point Grey Campus built before 1990 may contain asbestos.
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Enhancing operations and safety: BRDF control room & office renovation
As part of an effort to enhance operations and safety, the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) control room and office have recently been renovated. The purpose of this renovation was to modernize the BRDF control room and personnel quarters.
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Keep track with VPFO Project Management Office’s projects through the Project Portfolio Management Dashboard
The VPFO Project Management team uses a project portfolio management (PPM) tool to help with the intake, prioritization, selection and management of continuous improvement projects at UBC. Click through to see the dashboard.
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Digital Payments Program: Information security training for new merchants
All merchants, including UBC merchants, who process credit card payments are required to be compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS). The DPP PCI-DSS Training course is required as part of DPP’s new merchant onboarding process.
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Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
People of the VPFO
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Sean Lynch steps into role as Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities
Starting June 6, Sean Lynch will be Acting Director, Custodial Service in Facilities. He joined UBC in 2011 in Student Housing & Community Services and joined Custodial Services as Operations Manager in 2017.
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Caroline Macleod promoted to Executive Assistant to Associate Vice-President, Facilities
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this role and will be responsible for liaising with the wider University community and fostering working relationships with Senior Executives across the University. Caroline will be the primary contact person for John Metras,…
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Changes in the VPFO HR team
We are pleased to announce a number of positive changes on the VPFO Human Resources team. We have prepared a service map to help you navigate these changes and understand the roles and assigned departments of our team members.
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Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…