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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Welcome to Helen Yung, UBC’s new Comptroller
Helen Yung joins UBC today as the university’s new Comptroller, with responsibility for delivering financial intelligence, planning, and reporting to facilitate decision-making.
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Take part in the Mass Care Open House & Preparedness Fair to become better prepared for emergencies
Safety & Risk Services’ Emergency Management team will be hosting a Mass Care Open House on June 28, 2023. This event is an opportunity for key responding staff to familiarize and problem-solve the mass care planning done to date. Mass…
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Matheus Thom Vasconcelos joins Treasury as Senior Treasury Analyst
In his new position, Matheus will assist the team in delivering analytical support for strategic initiatives across campus as well as supporting UBC’s cash forecasting and liquidity analysis.
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Realignment of roles within Financial Service & Strategic Procurement
Over the years, Financial Service & Strategic Procurement within Finance & Operational Excellence have been working with faculties and administrative units to look for opportunities to improve levels of service across the university. In order to improve our service level…
People of the VPFO
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Leigh Clark successfully keeping used furniture out of landfill
Since Leigh joined UBC Vancouver as a Facilities Planner with Infrastructure Development just two years ago, she has successfully identified and implemented a solution for keeping redundant furniture out of landfill and putting it to use elsewhere at the university.
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Siu Tse joins Energy & Water Services as Director of Engineering & Utilities
Siu joins us from the City of Port Coquitlam as their Deputy Director of Engineering & Operation and previously worked in City of Richmond, and Metro Vancouver.
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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.