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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Read more: UBC’s budget for 2022/23 provides more support for students, strengthens the university’s impact, and advances academic mission

UBC’s budget for 2022/23 provides more support for students, strengthens the university’s impact, and advances academic mission
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Board of Governors has approved UBC’s 2022/2023 budget. The new budget sets spending priorities for the year ahead to advance the university’s key strategic priorities while supporting students, faculty, and staff in their collective…
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Read more: Responding to on-campus protests disruptions

Responding to on-campus protests disruptions
If a demonstration or protests is blocking access to your building or interrupting classes, we advise that you report the incident to Campus Security at 604-822-2222, and look for another location to enter and/or exit the building if safe to…
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Read more: Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
Nick Steel promoted to Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine in Safety & Risk Services
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Faculty of Medicine within the Occupational Health & Safety, Nick will lead a team to continue to develop, promote and implement the occupational health and safety program for the Faculty of Medicine.
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Read more: Enhancing UBC’s Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis Support

Enhancing UBC’s Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis Support
The Comptroller’s Budget Office team has seen increasing demand for complex future-facing financial analysis, expanded budget and forecasting support, and the integration of new technologies such as Workday. To better respond to these needs, the Budget Office team is reforming…
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Read more: Business Expense Rules will go live on April 1, 2022

Business Expense Rules will go live on April 1, 2022
The new Business Expense Rules have now been approved and will be available to the UBC community on April 1, 2022 on the UBC Finance website. In the meantime, you are welcome to review the Business Expense Rules document in…
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Bert Tempel joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Bert Tempel joins Infrastructure Development as Project Coordinator
Bert joined UBC in 2001 with a sheet metal trades certification. He has spent 20 years in Building Operations’ Sheet Metal Shop where he developed extensive experience and knowledge in the construction of mechanical systems, building maintenance, HVAC systems renewal,…
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Read more: Carolyn Rhee-Thompson joins UBC as Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR
Carolyn Rhee-Thompson joins UBC as Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR
Carolyn is a CPA with over 10 years of financial leadership experience supporting a broad group of internal clients. As Finance Director, VPFO/VPHR, Carolyn will bring financial leadership and strategic expertise to the portfolio.
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Read more: Joey-Lee Robelo, Operations Project Manager – Change Management for Customer Services & Informatics
Joey-Lee Robelo, Operations Project Manager – Change Management for Customer Services & Informatics
Over the next 18 months, Joey-Lee will work with both Facilities and the EMMS project team to support the Facilities team with change management, learning and professional development. Notable upcoming initiatives include Planon rollout for Energy & Water Services and…
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Read more: Dean Gregory will be joining Building Operations as the Municipal Landscape Architect
Dean Gregory will be joining Building Operations as the Municipal Landscape Architect
Dean’s journey with the university began 13 years ago as the Campus Landscape Architect in Campus & Community Planning (C&CP). Dean has been instrumental in transforming both the UBC Point Grey and Okanagan campuses through the planning and implementing of…
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Read more: Scott Stevens promoted as High Voltage Electrical Sub-Head in Energy & Water Services
Scott Stevens promoted as High Voltage Electrical Sub-Head in Energy & Water Services
Scott Stevens will be joining the Supervisory Organization of Electrical Trades with Energy & Water Services at the Campus Energy Center location. His role as Sub-Head starts on August 3, 2021.