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

  • New sanctions imposed against Russia in response to the unpredictable situation in Ukraine

    Following the development in Ukraine, Canada is imposing new sanctions or expanding existing sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, effective immediately.

    Read more: New sanctions imposed against Russia in response to the unpredictable situation in Ukraine
  • VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2022

    On Feb 23rd 2022, Peter Smailes addressed the VPFO as part of our annual Pink Shirt Day event. Click though for a transcript of his speech to the team.

    Read more: VPFO Pink Shirt Day 2022
  • Inside the new UBC Arts Student Centre

    In November 2021, UBC Arts Student Centre officially opened its doors. The three-storey, cylindrical building located on East Mall and Walter Gage Road will be a common meeting ground for Arts students to interact across disciplines, with spaces to relax…

    Read more: Inside the new UBC Arts Student Centre
  • T4/T4A Tax Slips and T2200s Forms Will Soon Be Available for Faculty and Staff

    T4/T4A tax slips and T2200S forms will be made available for faculty and staff through the Workday system next week. In the meantime, UBC Finance has created some resources to answer any questions the community may have about their tax…

    Read more: T4/T4A Tax Slips and T2200s Forms Will Soon Be Available for Faculty and Staff
  • Heat recovery chiller and coils successfully commissioned

    The new heat recovery chiller in Chemistry D Block would be capable of providing its forecasted 5000GJ in annual thermal energy savings, saving the university almost $50,000 per year. Chemistry E Block is on track for their predicted energy savings…

    Read more: Heat recovery chiller and coils successfully commissioned

People of the VPFO

  • Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC

    Helen joins us from Vancouver Coastal Health, where she has served as a valued senior finance leader for over 20 years, most recently as Executive Director, Controller and Financial Services.

    Read more: Announcing Helen Yung as the new Comptroller for UBC
  • Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development

    In his new role, Noel will be leading one of the teams of project managers in Project Services, and continue his present scope of work of directly managing complex projects such as Jack Bell Building Renewal and Faculty of Applied…

    Read more: Noel McNally promoted as Senior Project Manager in Infrastructure Development
  • Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer

    She joins us from BCIT as the Energy Manager, where she managed a team of engineers and BMS technicians to implement robust process improvements to increase energy efficiency across the Institute. The projects and process improvements she has implemented during…

    Read more: Selina Liu Joins Energy & Water Services as Energy Conservation Engineer
  • Tracy Pham joins VPFO Communications & Engagement as Manager, Digital & Creative

    In her new role, Tracy aims to transform the digital channels of the VPFO and bring forth new enhancements to optimize the user experience. As a multi-skilled marketer, she brings effective technical and communication skills that can help bridge the…

    Read more: Tracy Pham joins VPFO Communications & Engagement as Manager, Digital & Creative
  • Growing our capabilities and strengthening the Treasury team

    With the transition of Holly’s maternity leave, Treasury has taken this as an opportunity to grow the capabilities and knowledge of the Treasury team, and strengthen the team’s ability to provide value-added service and advice across UBC. Please join us…

    Read more: Growing our capabilities and strengthening the Treasury team