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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Read more: We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
As of September 1, 2025, UBC Facilities will be decommissioning our X (formerly Twitter) account @UBCFixMySpace. This change reflects our ongoing efforts to streamline communications and ensure consistent, reliable support for the campus community. For immediate assistance, call the Facilities…
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Read more: New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
A new system called ‘Ascend’ will be implemented this Summer to streamline the invoice triage and entry process across both UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Invoicing standards will remain the same—please continue following standard invoicing and Workday procedures.
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Read more: UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
Construction on the UBC Perception & Cognition Lab (Ongchoco Lab) Renovation is anticipated to begin on July 14, 2025, and to be completed in October 2025.
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Read more: Browse the refreshed VPFO Update archive
Browse the refreshed VPFO Update archive
The archive section of our VPFO newsletter just got a refresh! Browse through the VPFO Update archive to find a past newsletter or update from the portfolio!
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Read more: UBC’s newest state-of-the art fitness centre opens
UBC’s newest state-of-the art fitness centre opens
UBC Vancouver has tripled indoor fitness and recreation space with the opening of Recreation Centre North (RCN). The soft opening of the facility began on June 23 and will continue through June 29.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Michael Guimond providing part-time support to the UBC Comptroller team
Michael Guimond providing part-time support to the UBC Comptroller team
In his interim role, Michael will support some of the key work to help ensure we have a successful year, including projects such as the development of the Fiscal 2023/24 Budget, quarterly forecasting activities, participation in stakeholder engagement and working…
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Read more: Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
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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Read more: Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
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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Read more: Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
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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Read more: Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
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.