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: Attend the Adaptive Planning Reporting Tools Demo on April 27

Attend the Adaptive Planning Reporting Tools Demo on April 27
An online demo is being held to prepare the community for the transition from Hyperion to Workday’s Adaptive Planning for financial budgeting & forecasting in July.
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Read more: “What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action

“What are we doing? Where can we improve?” Continuous improvement in action
Adam started at UBC as a Warehouse Clerk for UBC Bookstore in 2011 and moved into the role of Storeperson at Stores in UBC Facilities in 2016. Since then, through learning continuously, developing strong relationships and providing leadership, Adam has…
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Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

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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Read more: Learning beyond the classroom: A collaborative effort between UBC Facilities & the School of Population & Public Health

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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Read more: Increase in mileage rate as of March 31, 2023

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…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
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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Read more: Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
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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Read more: Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
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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Read more: Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
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.
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Read more: Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela will support the building and refinement of the long-term corporate financial model, along with providing analytical support for other strategic initiatives across campus.