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

  • Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services

    In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.

    Read more: Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
  • Enhancing UBC’s Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis Support

    The Comptroller’s Budget Office team has seen increasing demand for complex future-facing financial analysis, expanded budget and forecasting support, and the integration of new technologies such as Workday. To better respond to these needs, the Budget Office team is reforming…

    Read more: Enhancing UBC’s Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis Support
  • Business Expense Rules will go live on April 1, 2022

    The new Business Expense Rules have now been approved and will be available to the UBC community on April 1, 2022 on the UBC Finance website. In the meantime, you are welcome to review the Business Expense Rules document in…

    Read more: Business Expense Rules will go live on April 1, 2022
  • Energy conservation measures implemented in I.K. Barber Learning Centre

    An energy conservation project was implemented to repair the heat pipe system in the main air handling units (AHUs) to improve thermal energy in the building. Upon completion, the building’s thermal energy demand has been reduced by ~22%, saving ~$11,000…

    Read more: Energy conservation measures implemented in I.K. Barber Learning Centre
  • Heat recovery chiller expansion in the Life Sciences Centre

    In 2021, a third chiller module was added to an existing two-module heat recovery chiller to maximize more recoverable heat in the building. This additional chiller module will recover 5800 GJ of heat per year, equivalent to reducing thermal consumption…

    Read more: Heat recovery chiller expansion in the Life Sciences Centre

People of the VPFO

  • Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic

    Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.

    Read more: Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
  • Forecasting for a solid future

    Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…

    Read more: Forecasting for a solid future
  • Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs

    “Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor,  Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…

    Read more: Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
  • Helen Yung — Get to Know UBC’s New Comptroller

    Fresh onto campus, we’ve taken the opportunity to ask Helen more about herself, her views on leadership, and what excites her about working with the VPFO and UBC.

    Read more: Helen Yung — Get to Know UBC’s New Comptroller
  • 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.

    Read more: Welcome to Helen Yung, UBC’s new Comptroller