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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Changes to credit card issuance
As part of closing the front counter reception on the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3), new UBC Visa cards and card renewals will be mailed out. Card pickup will no longer be an option. For ongoing…
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Adopting a new Facilities service delivery model
Starting April 1, Facilities will be transitioning to a more streamlined and sustainable service model, and the 15-hour non-billable labour limit for customer-funded services will be discontinued.
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Join the conversation: Get ready for VPFO Day on May 12
On Monday, May 12, join us for a time of connection to talk about our work, our values and the culture we’re building within the VPFO.
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Shifting our UBC Travel Program services
Over the years, there has been a significant shift in the way the community books travel, moving away from the services offered through the University-related travel page. As such, we are shifting and streamlining our contract management and support for…
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Closing the front counter reception on the fifth floor of TEF 3
Effective February 28, the front counter reception on the fifth floor of Technology Enterprise Facility 3 (TEF 3) will be closed. This closure is part of our ongoing review of resources, programs, and processes to improve efficiencies and continuous improvement.
People of the VPFO
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Ernesto Castano joins UBC’s Financial Operations group as the Associate Director, Procurement
Ernesto will play a vital role in leading the Procurement function to support our community in meeting their needs through the procurement and competitive bidding processes, leveraging Workday and Planon.
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Joan Mar and Entela Ifti step into new positions in the Financial Planning & Analysis team
In their new roles, Joan and Entela will work with the Assistant Comptroller to lead the FP&A team and support our partners across the university. Joan Mar will be joining as Director, Financial Planning & Analysis on June 16, and…
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Susan Johnson steps into her new role as Senior Manager, Privacy and Information Security Risk
In her new role, Susan will continue to oversee the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) process, including major projects such as the Integrated Security Program Student (IRPS) as well as the portfolio of operational PIAs and advisory services.
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Norman Kotze joins the Emergency Management team as Associate, Emergency & Continuity Planning
In his new role, Norman will help lead continuity planning for the Vancouver Point Grey campus. Working with academic units, he will assist in the roll-out of our Continuity Planning Framework and the creation of Continuity Plans for faculties using a…
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Christine Lin joins UBC as Tax Analyst
We are pleased to welcome Christine Lin as Tax Analyst, reporting to Holly Shepherd, Tax Manager effective May 16, 2022. Christine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in corporate and indirect tax within the oil and gas…