Director of Finance and Technology

Location

The Metropolitan School of Panama

Job Title

Director of Finance and Technology

Job Purpose

The Director of Finance & Technology is a strategic member of the School Leadership Team responsible for leading the financial management and technology functions of the school.

The position ensures that the school's financial resources, systems, controls, reporting processes, and technology infrastructure support the educational mission and strategic objectives of The Metropolitan School and Nord Anglia Education.

The Director of Finance & Technology provides leadership in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, treasury management, procurement governance, information systems, cybersecurity, and technology strategy while ensuring alignment with Nord Anglia Education policies, standards, and best practices.

The role serves as the primary financial advisor to the Head of School and collaborates closely with regional and global teams to drive operational efficiency, financial sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Reporting To:

Direct Reporting: Head of School

Dotted Line Reporting: LATAM Finance Director

Other Key Relationships:

School Leadership Team (SLT)

Regional Finance Team

Regional IT Team

Group Finance

Human Resources Department

Admissions, Marketing and Academic Leaders

Parents and External Service Providers

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Head of School and Leadership Team on all financial matters.
• Support the development of the School Strategic Plan through financial analysis, scenario planning, and long-term forecasting.
• Provide recommendations that support sustainable growth and financial performance.
• Lead financial decision-making processes by providing accurate and timely financial information.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

2. Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and multi-year financial planning activities.
• Prepare and maintain financial forecasts in alignment with Nord Anglia requirements.
• Monitor financial performance against approved budgets and forecasts.
• Provide variance analysis and recommendations to budget holders and school leaders.
• Ensure appropriate financial planning for capital expenditures and strategic initiatives.
• Support regional forecasting cycles, including Forecast, Budget and Strategic Planning submissions.

3. Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all financial reporting requirements.
• Present financial results and key performance indicators to the Head of School and Regional Finance Team.
• Monitor and analyze financial trends and performance metrics.
• Support Group reporting requirements and financial consolidation processes.
• Maintain reporting standards in accordance with Nord Anglia policies and applicable accounting standards.

4. Treasury & Cash Flow Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and liquidity management.
• Monitor working capital and cash collection performance.
• Ensure proper management of banking relationships and services.
• Maintain appropriate controls over cash handling and treasury activities.
• Provide regular cash flow reporting and analysis.
• Ensure efficient management of school funds and investments where applicable.

5. Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Maintain a strong internal control environment across all finance functions.
• Ensure compliance with local legislation, tax requirements, labor regulations, and Nord Anglia policies.
• Lead internal and external audit processes.
• Coordinate responses to audit findings and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with procurement, authorization, and approval processes.
• Ensure adherence to IFRS and applicable accounting standards where required.

6. Accounts Receivable & Revenue Management

• Oversee tuition billing and collection processes.
• Monitor student accounts and collection performance.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing of tuition and other school fees.
• Develop strategies to improve cash collection and reduce overdue balances.
• Support families and school leadership regarding financial matters when appropriate.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of student financial records.

7. Accounts Payable & Procurement Governance

• Oversee vendor management and payment processes.
• Ensure purchasing activities follow established policies and approval procedures.
• Review and approve significant procurement activities.
• Monitor supplier performance and contractual compliance.
• Ensure value for money and cost-effective purchasing practices.
• Support contract reviews from a financial perspective.

8. Payroll Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of payroll processes.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Monitor payroll controls and reporting.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources on compensation-related matters.
• Support annual salary reviews, workforce planning, and compensation analysis.

9. Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Act as executive sponsor for finance systems and financial reporting tools.
• Ensure effective use of OneStream, ERP systems, payroll platforms, and related technologies.
• Drive process automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote data accuracy, efficiency, and standardization across finance processes.
• Implement best practices and technology solutions to improve reporting and operational effectiveness.

10. Technology Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic leadership for the school's technology function.
• Ensure technology resources support teaching, learning, administration, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee technology budgets and investment planning.
• Ensure appropriate cybersecurity controls and data protection measures are in place.
• Partner with Regional IT teams on infrastructure, systems, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Support implementation of Nord Anglia technology standards and policies.
• Monitor technology service delivery and user experience across the school.
• Promote innovation and effective use of educational and administrative technology.

11. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance and Technology teams.
• Establish clear objectives and performance expectations.
• Conduct performance reviews and support professional development plans.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Promote employee engagement and succession planning.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, MBA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Experience leading finance teams in complex organizations.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Experience managing financial systems and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience within international organizations or educational institutions preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of financial reporting and accounting standards.
• Treasury and cash flow management expertise.
• Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP and financial reporting platforms, including OneStream.
• Understanding of technology governance, cybersecurity, and IT management principles.

Languages

• Fluent English and Spanish, written and spoken.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborate with Empathy

Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively across departments and cultures.

• Communicate with Impact

Communicates clearly and effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

• Make Considered Decisions

Uses data, insight, and sound judgment to make informed decisions.

• Embrace Change

Adapts effectively to changing priorities and drives continuous improvement.

• Drive Growth

Demonstrates commercial awareness and supports sustainable school growth.

• Integrity & Accountability

Maintains the highest ethical standards and safeguards confidential information.

• Safeguarding

The Metropolitan School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment and comply with all safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices established by Nord Anglia Education and local regulations.