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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Grab a sweater and prepare for a cooler campus
The temperatures have dropped and winter conditions are coming to our campus. A reminder to bundle up and dress appropriately to stay warm and safe from the winter elements.
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Custodial Services realignment
Effective November 7, UBC Facilities is implementing the new simplified Custodial Services staffing model to provide all staff with full-time opportunities and facilitate professional development and increased opportunities for improvement. Due to the new staffing model, the Building Service Worker…
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Review the 2022 Financial Information Act Report
The 2022 Financial Information Act Report is now available on the UBC Finance website. The annual report includes payments to suppliers in excess of $25,000, employee salaries above $75,000, remuneration for our Board of Governors, and details of outstanding debt.
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Working together to ensure proper and timely payments to payees
Fair and timely processing of payments to payees, including vendors and suppliers, is a priority of the Accounts Payable (AP) team in UBC Finance. This guide includes some steps UBC staff and payees can take to ensure accurate and timely…
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
People of the VPFO
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François Desmarais promoted to Senior Facilities Manager in Building Operations
François is the successful candidate to take on this newly created role with all of the Building Operations’ Facilities Managers reporting directly to him. François will continue to be responsible for the Brown Zone and also manage the day to…
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Announcing a new Associate Vice-President role for the VPFO
Following approval from UBC’s Board of Governors,the VPFO will be adding a new Associate Vice-President. Trish Pekeles has agreed to step forward as acting in the new AVP role until the search committee completes their work.
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Bryan Antenor and Marcos Kwong join Financial Operations management team
The Financial Operations team is pleased to welcome Bryan Antenor as the department’s new Customer Support Manager, and Marcos Kwong as the Manager of Procurement Services.
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Get to know: Ryan Huffman, Senior Project Manager with Project Services, Infrastructure Development
Ryan came to UBC because he used to get bored easily. Almost 7 years later, he’s discovered a job that brings him constant innovation, excitement, and the opportunity to bring his unique brand of positivity to his many UBC friends…
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Doug Cheung joins Treasury team in the position of Director, Treasury
Doug will be overseeing cash management together with the strategic long-term modelling and will also be involved in strategic initiatives such as the GBE (Government Business Entity) project with Student Housing and Hospitality Services.