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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Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC
Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.
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Learning beyond the classroom: A collaborative effort between UBC Facilities & the School of Population & Public Health
Last month, UBC Facilities’ Building Operations was invited by Dr. Karen Bartlett, a Professor in the School of Population & Public Health (SPPH) to present to her Master of Science graduate class in the Occupational & Environmental Hygiene graduate program.
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Increase in mileage rate as of March 31, 2023
UBC will be updating its mileage rate in alignment with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) prescribed rate: 68¢/km for the first 5,000 km driven and 62¢/km driven after that. The new rates will be available in Workday as of March…
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Increase in CRA Prescribed Interest Rate effective April 1, 2023
The CRA Prescribed Interest Rate will increase to 5% as of April 1, 2023. This rate will be in effect from April 1–June 30, 2023. This is the interest rate used to calculate taxable benefits for employees from interest-free and low-interest loans, which will…
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Educating young children on solid waste collection on campus
The Waste Management team in Municipal Services within UBC Facilities recently paid a visit to the Berwick Child Development Centre to educate young children about the vehicles and equipment used for solid waste collection on the UBC Vancouver campus.
People of the VPFO
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Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…
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Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…
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Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…