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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Update on Contacting Payroll
Payroll Operations is requesting that all payroll inquiries be submitted via the UBC self-service portal, effective September 1, 2021. Payroll will address the submitted tickets in order of priority, which will assist us in identifying issues impacting our processes as…
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Our next steps for return to campus
We have all been following the news from the Provincial Government and have seen the recent messages from Santo Ono about the latest changes to COVID-19 public health guidance. We know our return to campus will need to be different…
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From the classroom to the virtual space, and back again – How UBC’s Learning Spaces team is getting ready for a return to campus
The Learning Spaces team is part of UBC Facilities. When it comes to teaching, learning, and research, an optimal physical environment is crucial for creating an experience that is engaging and collaborative. What does the shift away from learning in…
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District Energy System (DES) Valve Optimization program
Since April 2021, Energy & Water Services has been undergoing a District Energy System (DES) valve optimization project across campus. This project was executed over two phases in 10 worksites and included 18 valves — starting with one of the…
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VCH drop-in vaccination clinic is available at Life Sciences Centre
The Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) drop-in vaccination clinic will be open at the Life Sciences Centre on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on your eligibility and vaccine availability.
People of the VPFO
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Michaela Kelly joins as Executive Assistant supporting Executive Director, UBC Safety & Risk Services
Michaela comes to UBC from the public relations agency Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), where she provided strategic and integrated communications support to some of Canada’s leading brands across a wide range of sectors.
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Valerie Nichol appointed UBCO’s Director of Integrated Planning and Chief Budget Officer as of July 1, 2023
Valerie brings seven years of valuable experience within UBC Okanagan, along with a significant tenure in various other organizations, which she will leverage to enhance our finance team.
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Samuel Akindele joins Facilities’ Municipal Services as Trades 3 Mechanic
Samuel has over 15 years of experience as Heavy Duty Mechanic. He joins UBC most recently from BC Ferries where he worked as Marine Engine Mechanic, and was responsible for Engine Overhauling, Rad Drives, and Pumps.
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Forecasting for a solid future
Raffaela works with her team to ensure a sound financial position for UBC for generations to come. Read more about what it’s like working in a team as diverse as Treasury, what respect means to her professionally, and how she…
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Bringing teams together over good food and good laughs
“Food brings people together,” explains Bryan Antenor, Customer Support Manager in Financial Operations. “Connecting over potlucks, having a few good laughs and participating in highly competitive Mario Kart Switch tournaments are just some of the simple yet effective ways we…