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: Brimacombe Building External Maintenance project begins
Brimacombe Building External Maintenance project begins
Construction on the Brimacombe Building External Maintenance project is anticipated to take place from October to mid-November 2025. The project will clean, prepare and paint external metal structural elements.
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Read more: Facilities teams fight clog monsters and leaks
Facilities teams fight clog monsters and leaks
Last week, Facilities teams tackled a double-header: a District Energy System piping leak at the Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory and a big clog monster at Chemistry North.
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Read more: Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned work starting October 16
Metro Vancouver water crews conducting planned work starting October 16
During the water system adjustments, there will be no interruption to drinking water service. However, you may notice cloudiness or slight discolouration in the water for a few days. Drinking water remains safe for use and consumption at all times.
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Read more: Keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming: Check out the Classroom Usage Guidelines
Keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming: Check out the Classroom Usage Guidelines
Classrooms can be used as a study space when classes or other events are not in session. Please give priority to classes and room bookings. Follow the Classroom Usage Guidelines.
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Read more: University Services Building (USB) Lighting Renewal: Exterior work occurring October 6–8
University Services Building (USB) Lighting Renewal: Exterior work occurring October 6–8
Exterior lighting work is scheduled to begin this Monday, October 6. The west sidewalk on West Mall will be closed to pedestrian traffic. On October 8, work will begin on the north side of USB.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Read more: Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Read more: Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Read more: Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Read more: Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…