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

  • 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
  • A Walk Through Time

    Construction work along the sidewalks on the south and south-east side of the Earth Sciences Building has started, as part of an exhibit extension of the Pacific Museum of Earth. The museum will be installing a ribbon of steel plates…

    Read more: A Walk Through Time
  • Four newly funded projects aimed at boosting sustainability at UBC Vancouver

    Four new Campus as a Living Lab (CLL) sustainability projects have just been awarded a share of $200,000 in funding, and will be set in motion this year on the UBC Vancouver campus. All these projects show ways to improve…

    Read more: Four newly funded projects aimed at boosting sustainability at UBC Vancouver

People of the VPFO

  • Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager

    As the Finance Services Manager, Chris will play a vital role in leading the Finance Services Team to support our Community in Finance Period End activities, and the improvement of Workday’s processes. Chris comes to us with 20 years of…

    Read more: Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager
  • Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager

    Kyle’s diverse range of professional skills within project management and project design and construction, coupled with his unique insights into different project roles will be a definite asset to the Project Services team.

    Read more: Kyle Fenton joins Infrastructure Development as Associate Project Manager
  • Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations

    In his new role, Bill will play a key role in leading and completing RFx processes for purchases above $75K. The role is integral to the success of the Procurement Sourcing team by ensuring best procurement practices are being followed.

    Read more: Bill Liu promoted to Procurement Officer in UBC Financial Operations
  • Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations

    Raymond has been in the metal shop at UBC for seven years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in layout, fabricating, assembling, welding and installation. He was a participant in the Expression of Interest (EOI) program and is…

    Read more: Raymond Lum promoted to Subhead Metal Worker in Building Operations
  • Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university

    In alignment with the VPFO and SRS strategic plan, Safety & Risk Services (SRS) is moving to the next step that builds on our strengths and opportunities to continue to align around enhanced safety and reduced risk for faculty, staff,…

    Read more: Aligning enhanced safety and reducing risk for the university