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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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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
People of the VPFO
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Esther Li promoted to Senior Financial Processing Specialist in Treasury
Reporting to Chen Shi, Treasury Accounting Manager, Esther will continue to be responsible for the incoming payments while playing a critical role in more complicated bank reconciliations and other banking side responsibilities.
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Creating inclusive spaces beyond the public realm
Jen Sheel takes pride in what her team does… and it shows. When you meet Jen, one of the first things you see is her dedication to making UBC a place that invites and builds connections. She fiercely believes that…
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Josephine Shen joins the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team as a Financial Analyst
In her new role, Josephine will play a key role in developing the Strategic Initiatives’ multi-year forecasting model and maintaining various financial models (i.e. Contingency and PAEI) at UBC.
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Celebrating UBC VPFO’s long-serving member inductees in 2022
The VPFO team has a number of long service member inductees this year. This is an amazing personal accomplishment for the individuals and a true testament to their devotion to service at UBC.
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Holly Shepherd promoted to Director, Treasury
Holly Shepherd has been promoted to Director, Treasury with overall responsibility for overseeing tax, contracts, leases & licences, housing loans, payment card industry compliance, service levy and Treasury Accounting.