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

  • Upgrades & renovations in Orchard Commons Room 1001

    Orchard Commons Room 1001 is currently undergoing renovation work to create an active learning classroom. The new layout will be a high tech ‘learn lab’, featuring group tables with technology that allows both instructors and students to share their work…

    Read more: Upgrades & renovations in Orchard Commons Room 1001
  • We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31

    The VPFO is a team, our work is connected, and we achieve great things for UBC by working together. On May 31 we have an opportunity to gather and hear from our new Vice-President Frank Laezza, as well as to connect with…

    Read more: We are the VPFO: Join us on May 31
  • Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC

    Setting up an exam space is not an easy task — it requires hours of hard work and strict compliance with UBC’s exam requirements, especially with the setup of tables and chairs and delivery of exam booklets, to ensure a…

    Read more: Maintaining an ideal exam experience at UBC
  • Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine

    UBC’s replacement cogeneration engine, the Jenbacher J-612 arrived in its new home inside the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF) engine room on April 6, 2023, and is being commissioned for operation in May 2023.

    Read more: Meet UBC’s new cogeneration engine
  • UBC Facilities supports student team in the construction of a unique building

    Last week, UBC started to unveil a vibrant new teaching and learning space that is one of Canada’s first institutional spaces designed to be near-zero embodied carbon. The project and student team were well supported by contributions from UBC Facilities’…

    Read more: UBC Facilities supports student team in the construction of a unique building

People of the VPFO

  • Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic

    Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.

    Read more: Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
  • 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…

    Read more: Forecasting for a solid future
  • Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs

    “Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor,  Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…

    Read more: Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
  • 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.

    Read more: Helen Yung — Get to Know UBC’s New Comptroller
  • 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.

    Read more: Welcome to Helen Yung, UBC’s new Comptroller