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

  • UBC’s Financial Results for 2021/2022

    Our audited financial statements for fiscal year 2021/2022 have been approved by UBC’s Board of Governors and are now available to review on the UBC Finance website.

    Read more: UBC’s Financial Results for 2021/2022
  • Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver

    A heat warning has been issued this week for Metro Vancouver — make plans for you and your loved ones to stay cool during the day. Cooling centres and temporary water features are open on the UBC Vancouver campus.

    Read more: Heat warning this week for Metro Vancouver
  • Third Space—Solar Decathlon project

    UBC Facilities is working together with UBC’s award-winning Third Quadrant Design—a team of more than 60 students in engineering, architecture, business, and arts to help plan and manage a new student space on campus that redefines sustainable design. Learn more…

    Read more: Third Space—Solar Decathlon project
  • Our New Treasury Offices: Piloting Design and Technology to Support Hybrid Work across the VPFO

    After years of hard work and planning by the Treasury team and UBC Facilities’ Infrastructure Development team, Treasury’s existing office space in the Old Administration Building has been renovated to become the home base for the entire Treasury team.

    Read more: Our New Treasury Offices: Piloting Design and Technology to Support Hybrid Work across the VPFO
  • Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management hosted Rapid Damage Assessment Drill   

    On June 16, 2022, Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management held a drill for UBC staff who had completed BC Housing’s Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) and Coordination of Damage Assessment (CDA) training, in partnership with partners at BC Housing.

    Read more: Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management hosted Rapid Damage Assessment Drill   

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis