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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Paving Works on Southwest Marine and 16th Avenue from May 10–13
Please note that paving works will be conducted on SW Marine and 16th Avenue from May 10–13. A reminder to obey signs and traffic control personnel and watch for roadside workers.
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Facilities teams maintaining an ideal exam experience for UBC students
Last semester, the Custodial Services team and Municipal Services’ Streets & Operations Support (SOS) team within Facilities once again demonstrated excellent teamwork and dedication in setting up the Osborne Gym and Student Recreation Centre for exam season.
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University Boulevard closure extended to May 15
The closure of the University Boulevard (UBlvd) bus loop has been extended from May 1, 2022, to May 15, 2022 (exact date to be determined). The bus loop is closed due to three projects under construction simultaneously — School of…
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Updated Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) Request Form for Canadian Suppliers
When we are paying suppliers on a regular basis, EFT is the preferred mode of payment for both the supplier and the university. The updated Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) request form for Canadian suppliers is now available.
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Metro Vancouver’s Watering Restrictions come into effect on May 1, 2022
Stage one of Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations will be in effect from May 1, 2022 to October 15, 2022, as outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. This year, both residential and non-residential watering is only allowed once a…
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…