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

  • Reminder to set up your supplier early in Workday

    As we head towards the end of the fiscal year, there is an expected increase in the volume of financial transactions and requests within Workday. A reminder to UBC requestors — those purchasing goods or services — to ensure your…

    Read more: Reminder to set up your supplier early in Workday
  • Claiming your personal tax credits

    Tax credits are deductions you may be able to claim when you complete and submit your income tax return. If you require additional assistance with updating your tax elections, please submit a Workday support request through the UBC Self Service…

    Read more: Claiming your personal tax credits
  • Facilities teams supporting extreme weather events and keeping our community safe

    2021 certainly was an unprecedented year for those working on campus to support extreme weather events. A big thank you goes out to team members across Facilities who support extreme weather such that the university can continue to operate in…

    Read more: Facilities teams supporting extreme weather events and keeping our community safe
  • Here Is Why Your Net Pay May Be Lower in January

    Find out why your net pay may be lower in January, how it affects your personal credit return, and how to get support on updating your tax elections.

    Read more: Here Is Why Your Net Pay May Be Lower in January
  • Preliminary approval received for the downtown Kelowna project

    The UBC Downtown Kelowna project recently received preliminary approval from the Board of Governors meeting on December 5, 2021 to move forward with this project. Since February 2021, design work has been in progress and is on track for construction…

    Read more: Preliminary approval received for the downtown Kelowna project

People of the VPFO

  • Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years

    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sustainability Coordinator program, Campus & Community Planning spoke to Erin Kastner, Geospatial Information Manager with Energy & Water Services, on her commitment to sustainability at UBC.

    Read more: Erin Kastner, a sustainability champion for twenty years
  • Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations

    Philip Beck is the successful candidate for the new Soft Landscape head position that was introduced to support Chris Longford, head of the Soft Landscape team. Chris and Phil will work closely together to manage a growing team of over…

    Read more: Philip Beck promoted as new Head in Soft Landscape, Municipal Services with Building Operations
  • Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations

    In this new role, Kayna will be working closely with the Architectural Trades Team to gain a fulsome understanding of architectural maintenance considerations to provide a better balance of the diverse needs of multiple stakeholders within UBC.

    Read more: Kayna Merchant joins UBC as Facilities Architectural Manager with Building Operations
  • Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager

    Holly is joining the Treasury group as the university’s new Tax Manager, supporting the community with advising for tax-related matters, as well as general oversight of UBC’s tax strategies.

    Read more: Holly Shepherd joins UBC as Tax Manager
  • Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis

    A UBC Alumna, Sarah will partner with departments across the university to assist and monitor the main drivers of revenue and expenses at UBC. She will also develop and evaluate strategic options and alternatives on financial decisions that impact the university,…

    Read more: Sarah Goold Joins Treasury as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis