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 Biomass Boiler going through commissioning at the BRDF
The new UBC biomass boiler is going through its commissioning tests at the Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF). As the new boiler’s combustion is fine-tuned, you may notice some grey smoke, accompanied by a campfire scent, from the BRDF on occasion.
-
Our 5th Annual Pink Shirt Day Celebration
The VPFO Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee presents Pink Shirt Day on February 23, 2022. Join the VPFO portfolio virtually or on campus at the University Services Building (USB) atrium in celebrating our diversity as we Lift Each Other…
-
2021/2022 Year End Timelines and Procedures Call-In Session
Join us in the call-in session on February 28 to review the fiscal year-end timelines and procedures. For those who are unable to attend, a recording of this event will be made available on the UBC Finance website.
-
Potential project delays dues to staffing shortage
Our Facilities teams, consultants, and contractors are experiencing labour shortages, and doing the best we can to maintain service and ensure all our projects and construction sites continue to be monitored. Some of our projects, however, may be impacted and face…
-
A year in review: A look at Custodial Services
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Custodial Services has been playing an important role in keeping spaces in the UBC Vancouver campus clean and safe. As we start the new year, we’d like to share an overview and some…
People of the VPFO
-
Changes in the VPFO HR team
We are pleased to announce a number of positive changes on the VPFO Human Resources team. We have prepared a service map to help you navigate these changes and understand the roles and assigned departments of our team members.
-
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.
-
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…
-
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.
-
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…