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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UBC’s report on fighting against forced labour and child labour in Supply Chains now available
This report outlines the initiatives that were undertaken during the previous fiscal year, to help identify and assess risks associated with forced labour and child labour within our own supply chains, as well as forthcoming actions. Read the full report…
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Buchanan Block C Elevator Modernization begins June 23
The project is estimated to be complete by the end of August 2025. There will be no access to this elevator for the duration of construction. Please use the stairs on the north or south end of Buchanan Block C…
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The HSBC to RBC transition project has now officially concluded
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important transition — especially our partners and business users — for your collaboration, patience, and adaptability throughout the process. With these changes now in place, all UBC HSBC Canada bank accounts have…
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Manage risk and overcome challenges with support from Enterprise Risk & Assurance
May is International Internal Audit Awareness Month! At UBC, the ERA team provides independent, risk-based and objective audit and advisory services. Whether you’re launching a new project, looking to improve a critical process, or implementing a change, ERA can help…
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Moody’s affirms UBC’s Aa1 rating and S&P lowers its rating to A+ due to provincial credit link
UBC maintains credit ratings with two different rating agencies, Moody’s Investors Service (commonly referred to as “Moody’s”) and S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”). Each year Moody’s and S&P meet separately with UBC to assess the factors influencing the university’s credit rating.
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.