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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UBC Gateway project received the 2021 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
The design intends to express commonalities between Musqueam values, culture, and learning and the UBC Gateway environmental and wellness goals. The UBC Gateway project is nearing the end of the design process and should start construction in spring, targeting Board…
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Staff: Submit your Professional Development Fund claims by March 4
A reminder to staff and research associates to use available professional development (PD) funding and submit your claims in Workday by Friday, March 4, 2022. Claim submissions will commence again on April 1, 2022, at the start of the new…
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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…
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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…
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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…
People of the VPFO
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Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
Nicole brings a wealth of experience and over eight years as a dedicated CPA specializing in accounting and auditing. Previously, Nicole served as the Senior Project Accountant for the Integrated Renewal Program at UBC from 2018 to 2021. During her…
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Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
Jimmy joins the ISC Service Desk team on May 1 to work alongside co-Managers, Liam Murphy and Divya Shetty, and Senior Manager, Veekay Padhi. As a former UBC student and coming from his previous role with IRP Student as a…
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Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
Paramvir Ubhi has been promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in UBC Facilities’ Energy & Water Services for UBC’s two thermal energy plants as of April 15.
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Rob Einarson, Associate Vice-President, Finance & Operations, Okanagan, and his leadership vision: “I am a leader who inspires and supports people to develop both professionally and personally so they can…
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Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek
Fostering a culture of purpose driven leadership, get to know Chris Freek, Director, Communications & Engagement, and his leadership vision: “I am a designer, builder and coach who empowers people to move beyond, to achieve a more impactful future than…