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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This holiday season visit MOA before temporary 2023 closure
The upcoming winter holidays present a final opportunity for visitors to explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC before it closes for much of 2023. This temporary closure is to complete the seismic upgrades of the Great Hall and accomplish…
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Updated UBC Technical Guidelines
The Technical Guidelines help to ensure that buildings and renovations are designed and constructed to optimize service life and minimize the whole life-cycle cost for the University.
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Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards
Due to office closure over the holiday season, UBC’s Credit Card team will hold off on ordering new UBC Visa cards starting from Thursday, December 15, 2022, until Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
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Sam Stephens transitions into permanent role as Director, Campus Security in Safety & Risk Services
Sam has been a driving force in finding opportunities to build a stronger foundation for our Campus Security teams. His extensive experience in leading projects and teams within Compliance, Security, and Risk Management roles in the public sector will make…
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Making accountability personal
Thomas Straley — with 20 years of experience in Accounts Payable — is one of the lucky people who find their dream job early and build an endlessly rewarding career.
People of the VPFO
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Colleen Mah promoted to Associate Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Colleen joined UBC in 2017 as a Project Administrator and has taken on an increasing number of project management tasks, while providing enormous bandwidth to support Project Managers on a number of large projects. Moving into the Associate Project Manager…
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Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Darren Wong joined UBC in 1998 as a project designer, and has been with Project Services since 2011 as an Associate Project Manager. Over the years, Darren’s portfolio continues to grow, working on various renovations, public art, and accessibility-related projects.
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Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
Aziz is a Certified Professional Accountant who brings 25 years of progressive experience in Healthcare.
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Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
Sandy will be working closely with the Budgeting & Reporting team in support of continuous improvement within Financial Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis.
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Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
Stephen is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and LEED Green Associate with over ten years’ experience in Metro Vancouver’s building consulting industry.