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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T4/T4A tax slips for faculty and staff expected by February 28
This year we expect Payroll-related T4 and T4A forms for the 2022 tax year to be published and available in Workday by February 28, 2023. A further announcement will be shared when the tax slips are available. Please ensure that…
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2023 Soft plastic and styrofoam pick-up schedule is available
Did you know that plastic bags (a type of soft plastic) and styrofoam are not currently recyclable at UBC’s sort-it stations? There are several collection points across campus for pickup. If you are generating a significant amount of soft plastic…
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Deadline for expense/invoice approval is March 30
The deadline for expensive/invoice approval is Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 2:30 pm. This means supplier invoices and expense reports, including credit card reconciliations, must have completed all the requisite steps/approvals in Workday and be fully approved by then to…
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Balancing safety and innovation
Janet Hankins leads a team of specialists in biosafety, radiation, and chemical safety and occupational hygiene responsible for the handling of hazardous substances across the university. Learn how Janet resonates with the VPFO’s strategic directions and values, and how her…
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Claiming your basic personal tax elections
A guide from UBC Payroll Operations to claiming your basic personal tax elections this year. Tax credit elections affect the amount of tax that you have deducted each pay period. Failure to update the tax credits may result in an…
People of the VPFO
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Tracy Pham joins VPFO Communications & Engagement as Manager, Digital & Creative
In her new role, Tracy aims to transform the digital channels of the VPFO and bring forth new enhancements to optimize the user experience. As a multi-skilled marketer, she brings effective technical and communication skills that can help bridge the…
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Growing our capabilities and strengthening the Treasury team
With the transition of Holly’s maternity leave, Treasury has taken this as an opportunity to grow the capabilities and knowledge of the Treasury team, and strengthen the team’s ability to provide value-added service and advice across UBC. Please join us…
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Pera Hardy joins the Facilities Planning team in Infrastructure Development as Senior Facilities Planner
Pera is a registered architect (AIBC) and LEED Green Associate, Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Her programming, planning, design and construction experience in K-12 schools and post-secondary projects will be very beneficial to facilities planning work on campus.
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Frank Laezza — Get to Know UBC’s new Vice-President Finance & Operations
It would be difficult for anyone to argue that Frank Laezza isn’t willing to go the distance for UBC. Fresh off a flight from Perth, Australia, he quite literally came from the opposite side of the planet to take up…
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Oliver Choo joins as Finance Director, Vice President Research and Innovation
In his new role, Oliver will be responsible for providing strategic financial leadership within the 16 units of the VPRI portfolio. In addition to managing the portfolio budget of $58M, Oliver will support key initiatives that have significant impact on…