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

  • 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
  • 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

People of the VPFO

  • 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…

    Read more: Nicole Wendt joins the Financial Planning and Analysis team as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis
  • 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…

    Read more: Jimmy Gau joins ISC Service Desk as ISC Service Centre Manager
  • 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.

    Read more: Parm Ubhi promoted to Assistant Chief Engineer in Energy & Water Services
  • 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…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Rob Einarson
  • 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…

    Read more: Get to know the senior leadership team: Chris Freek