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

  • Last pick-ups from Environment Services Facilities will be on December 16

    The Environmental Services Facilities (ESF) will be closed starting December 20, 2021 until January 4, 2022. The last day of pick-ups from academic departments will be December 16. For questions or concerns, please contact your ESF technicians before December 20. 

    Read more: Last pick-ups from Environment Services Facilities will be on December 16
  • A reminder to stick to primary routes when driving to campus

    When extreme weather comes to UBC Vancouver, Municipal Services in Building Operations is responsible for managing snow and ice within the Vancouver campus. Our snow removal and deicing vehicles work in priority zones to ensure the highest risk areas of…

    Read more: A reminder to stick to primary routes when driving to campus
  • UBC Launches Indigenous Finance Guidelines and Spend Category for Status Indian Individuals on Reserve

    The Guidelines review current payment practices at UBC and highlight some of the disparities in standard processes for the disbursement of funds to Indigenous partners. They also describe the alternative, flexible payment process piloted by IRSI and conclude with a…

    Read more: UBC Launches Indigenous Finance Guidelines and Spend Category for Status Indian Individuals on Reserve
  • UBC Second Quarter 2021/22 Financial Report is now available

    The university’s second quarter 2021/22 financial report is now available on the UBC Finance website. While the university continues to operate under an element of uncertainty related to the pandemic—confidence in the forecast is solidifying, with strong indications from Enrolment Services…

    Read more: UBC Second Quarter 2021/22 Financial Report is now available
  • Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards 

    Please note that the Credit Card team will hold off on ordering new UBC Visa cards starting from Wednesday, December 15, 2021, until Tuesday, January 4, 2022, due to office closure during the holiday season. 

    Read more: Delay in ordering UBC Visa cards 

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