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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Are you setting up your international supplier correctly?
In order to ensure smooth processing of supplier invoices and purchase orders, please ensure international supplier setup and change requests are completed well in advance. Here are a few reminders from our Customer Support team in UBC Financial Operations.
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Helen Yung — Get to Know UBC’s New Comptroller
Fresh onto campus, we’ve taken the opportunity to ask Helen more about herself, her views on leadership, and what excites her about working with the VPFO and UBC.
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CRA prescribed interest rate remains at 5% for Q3 2023
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will be 5%, in effect from July 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will have an effect…
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Welcome to Helen Yung, UBC’s new Comptroller
Helen Yung joins UBC today as the university’s new Comptroller, with responsibility for delivering financial intelligence, planning, and reporting to facilitate decision-making.
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Take part in the Mass Care Open House & Preparedness Fair to become better prepared for emergencies
Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team will be hosting a Mass Care Open House on June 28, 2023. This event is an opportunity for key responding staff to familiarize and problem-solve the mass care planning done to date. Mass…
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.