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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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
People of the VPFO
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Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
Reporting to Chen Shi, Treasury Accounting Manager, Esther will continue to be responsible for the incoming payments while playing a critical role in more complicated bank reconciliations and other banking side responsibilities.
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
In her new role, Josephine will play a key role in developing the Strategic Initiatives’ multi-year forecasting model and maintaining various financial models (i.e. Contingency and PAEI) at UBC.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC.
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Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.