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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Holiday crime prevention tips from UBC Campus Security
Happy Holidays from UBC Campus Security! While you’re out enjoying the hustle and bustle of the holidays, keep these tips in mind for a safe, happy and crime-free season holiday season on campus.
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UBC embraces mass timber with $180 million Gateway Building
Wood construction allowed the University of British Columbia to represent three of its core values in designing the new Gateway Building: sustainability, personal well-being and Indigenous collaboration. The six-storey, 267,000-square-foot mass timber building is designed to be an iconic welcoming…
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Facilities teams work together to ensure an ideal exam experience for UBC students
Twice a year, at end of Term 1 and 2, Custodial Services and Municipal Services work together to set up Osborne Gym and Student Recreation Centre (SRC) Gym with 1,340 tables and chairs, to support and maintain an ideal exam experience…
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Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective January 1, 2023
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 4% as of Jan 1, 2023. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will have an effect on future loans made…
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Final Settlement runs for 2022
The final settlement (payment) runs for all Accounts Payable transactions will be occurring in the third week of December. In order to be included in the settlement run, the invoice/expense must be fully approved or matched to its purchase order,…
People of the VPFO
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Robin Shortt & Ingrid Lindner joins the EMMS Sustainment team in Building Operations
We are happy to announce that we have now filled two additional positions on the EMMS Sustainment team — Business Analyst and Systems Analyst. Robin Shortt will take on the Business Analyst role for the EMMS Sustainment team, and Ingrid…
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Tarkan Serim joins Building Operations as team lead for the EMMS Sustainment Team
Tarkan will be leading the Enterprise Maintenance Management System (EMMS) Sustainment Team and will be responsible for EMMS issues resolution, back log management, product management, vendor release management, and will be a key member of the EMMS Steering Committee. This…
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Adam Rosenthal promoted as the Head in Stores with Building Operations
Adam has been an acting Head on many occasions in Stores, and has demonstrated he has the qualities required to be successful in this new role. As a Sub-head, Adam has developed strong relationships, and provided leadership and technical oversight…
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Caroline Macleod, Executive Secretary for Energy & Water Services
Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has been instrumental in supporting the department in transitioning to the new Workday and Planon enterprise systems.
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Jay Hiscox appointed Director, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Jay has been part of the Infrastructure Development family since joining UBC in November 2016. He joined Project Services as Senior Project Manager, and was later promoted to Senior Manager and then Associate Director.