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

  • Thank you for your warm welcome from our new VP, Frank Laezza 

    Time is flying, it’s hard to believe a month has passed already since I joined the portfolio. I’m so impressed with the work I’m seeing across the team — most recently with our finance folks in finalizing UBC’s 2023/24 budget. My thanks to everyone…

    Read more: Thank you for your warm welcome from our new VP, Frank Laezza 
  • Update on UBC’s budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year

    UBC’s Board of Governors has approved the 2023/2024 budget, setting out the university’s spending priorities for the year ahead. Thank you to all those who helped create this report. Read UBC’s 2023/24 Budget Report on the UBC Finance website.

    Read more: Update on UBC’s budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year
  • UBC launches Agency Fund Guidelines (FD950)

    The Agency Fund Guidelines have been developed to provide the UBC finance community clarity on the requirements for the appropriate usage of the Agency Fund (FD950).

    Read more: UBC launches Agency Fund Guidelines (FD950)
  • UBC launches fifth year of the UniForum program

    This year we are launching year 5 of the program, and from May 29 to June 30 we will be collecting data relating to all professional staff at UBC, to better understand the types of activities they perform on a…

    Read more: UBC launches fifth year of the UniForum program
  • Update: Purchases under $3,500

    Learn more about the three options available for faculties, departments and units for purchases of goods and/or services up to $3,500 Canadian Dollars in value inclusive of taxes per person.

    Read more: Update: Purchases under $3,500

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