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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Classroom conversion in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360
The existing drop in lounge and study space in H.R. MacMillan, Room 360 is currently undergoing a full conversion to a 170+ student classroom and lecture space.
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Video Resource to Navigate Accrual Reports in Workday
A video tutorial has been created to help the community navigate the two new accrual reports in the period close dashboard on Workday: Accrual Report for Supplier Invoices – Distributed, Accrual Report for Expense Reports – Distributed.
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PeopleSoft to be decommissioned by end of October
As the PeopleSoft HRMS and FMS platforms are decommissioned, the web interface and backend will be turned off and the portal will no longer be accessible. Visit cio.ubc.ca/peoplesoft for more information and updates as the decommissioning progresses.
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Attend the annual Security Awareness Week by UBC Campus Security
UBC Campus Security will be hosting their annual Security Awareness Week from October 24–28, 2022, to actively engage and educate students, faculty and staff on theft prevention and provide helpful safety and security tips.
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Safety Day was a huge success
n October 4, Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHSC) Committee and Local Safety Team members across UBC gathered to network, celebrate and learn from our 16 vendor tables from our very own Campus Security and Emergency Management teams as well…
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.