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: New Tool to Enhance the Efficiency of Expense Report Management in Workday
New Tool to Enhance the Efficiency of Expense Report Management in Workday
We will launch of Expense Protect, a tool to help reduce time spent on manual review of Expense Reports in Workday. Expense Protect will analyze data trends from expense reports to provide insights.
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Read more: Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Updates to the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing
As part of recent updates within the Centre for Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing, the Centre entrance doors will remain locked during work hours. VPFO staff can now enter the space by swiping their UBC staff cards.
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Read more: We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
We’re saying goodbye to @UBCFixMySpace on X (Twitter)
As of September 1, 2025, UBC Facilities will be decommissioning our X (formerly Twitter) account @UBCFixMySpace. This change reflects our ongoing efforts to streamline communications and ensure consistent, reliable support for the campus community. For immediate assistance, call the Facilities…
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Read more: New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
New accounts payable system to launch this Summer
A new system called ‘Ascend’ will be implemented this Summer to streamline the invoice triage and entry process across both UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Invoicing standards will remain the same—please continue following standard invoicing and Workday procedures.
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Read more: UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
UBC Perception & Cognition Lab Renovation begins July 14
Construction on the UBC Perception & Cognition Lab (Ongchoco Lab) Renovation is anticipated to begin on July 14, 2025, and to be completed in October 2025.
People of the VPFO
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Read more: Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Darren Wong promoted to Project Manager, Project Services with Infrastructure Development
Darren Wong joined UBC in 1998 as a project designer, and has been with Project Services since 2011 as an Associate Project Manager. Over the years, Darren’s portfolio continues to grow, working on various renovations, public art, and accessibility-related projects.
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Read more: Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
Aziz Kara joins the Comptroller team as a Portfolio Finance Director, DAE, External Relations and Governance
Aziz is a Certified Professional Accountant who brings 25 years of progressive experience in Healthcare.
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Read more: Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
Sandy Liu joins the Comptoller team as Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis Operational Excellence
Sandy will be working closely with the Budgeting & Reporting team in support of continuous improvement within Financial Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis.
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Read more: Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
Stephen Li joins Facilites, Building Operations as Mechanical Engineer
Stephen is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and LEED Green Associate with over ten years’ experience in Metro Vancouver’s building consulting industry.
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Read more: Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela Mendel joins Treasury Team as a Senior Treasury Analyst
Raffaela will support the building and refinement of the long-term corporate financial model, along with providing analytical support for other strategic initiatives across campus.