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

  • Replacing an 800+Lbs Supply Fan Motor in Pulp and Paper Centre

    Last weekend, the millwrights replaced a failed 60 horsepower 800+lbs supply fan motor so the electrical crew could reattach the electrical connections. The area(s) within the Pulp and Paper Centre were impacted and forced to stop their work until this…

    Read more: Replacing an 800+Lbs Supply Fan Motor in Pulp and Paper Centre
  • 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…

    Read more: Update on Contacting Payroll
  • 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…

    Read more: Our next steps for return to campus
  • 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…

    Read more: From the classroom to the virtual space, and back again – How UBC’s Learning Spaces team is getting ready for a return to campus
  • 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…

    Read more: District Energy System (DES) Valve Optimization program

People of the VPFO

  • Sean McGregor joins Mechanical Trades as People & Process Manager in Building Operations

    Sean joins the mechanical team with strong customer service experience from his current role as Blue Zone Facilities Manager in Customer Services & Informatics. He has a trades background as an electrician, and has a solid understanding of UBC’s heating,…

    Read more: Sean McGregor joins Mechanical Trades as People & Process Manager in Building Operations
  • Pulu Rana joins Operational Excellence as Business Data Analyst

    Pulu brings to UBC over 20 years of experience as a Business Systems Analyst across various industries, including eCommerce, telecom, insurance, and health care. Reporting to Jeff Lei, Business Intelligence Manager, Pulu will specialize in Planon reporting and support other…

    Read more: Pulu Rana joins Operational Excellence as Business Data Analyst
  • Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2021

    Please join UBC Finance in congratulating Shari Jia, Brianna Bailey, and Nancy (Xi) Yang on passing their 2021 Common Final Exam (CFE), their last exam before becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

    Read more: Congratulations to our successful CFE writers for 2021
  • Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations

    Curtis joined UBC in February 2017 working on campus street lights before moving to the electrical controls crew where he took on both the green and teal zones. Curtis has vast experience in commercial and industrial settings, and has shown…

    Read more: Curtis Spencer is promoted to Subhead Electrical Maintenance in Building Operations
  • Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager

    As the Finance Services Manager, Chris will play a vital role in leading the Finance Services Team to support our Community in Finance Period End activities, and the improvement of Workday’s processes. Chris comes to us with 20 years of…

    Read more: Chris Bastien joins as the Finance Services Manager