The Bursar's Office was the University of British Columbia's administration unit responsible for financial affairs between 1915 and 1984. The Bursar, who acted as a chief financial officer for the University, implemented the Board of Governors' fiscal policies. In addition, the office encompassed the following areas of responsibility: treasury, internal audit and control, consultative or financial management, and the implementation of technological developments such as data processing and computerization. The position of Bursar dates back to the University's first opening in 1915. However, the position was known as Business Agent for the first two years of operation.
Relatively few individuals have served as Bursar at UBC. Fred Dallas held the position of Bursar for twenty years until his retirement in 1935. His successor, Angus MacLucas, was Bursar until 1948. He was succeeded by R.M. Bagshaw, who held the position for three years. E.D. MacPhee was appointed Honorary Bursar in 1951 and oversaw the operation of the office until 1963. William White became UBC's last Bursar, finishing his term in 1969. After that, the position of the Bursar was discontinued, although the Office of the Bursar continued to control the University's financial matters until 1984, when it was superseded by the Office of the Vice-President Finance (now V.P. Administration and Finance).