Director of Finance

JOB TITTLE: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

LOCATION: The Metropolitan School of Panama

JOB PURPOSE:

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

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

This role provides leadership in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury management, payroll oversight, procurement governance, internal controls, audit coordination, compliance, and financial systems management while ensuring alignment with Nord Anglia Education policies, standards, and best practices.

The Director of Finance serves as the primary financial advisor to the Head of School and collaborates closely with Regional Finance and Group Finance teams to drive operational efficiency, financial sustainability, strategic growth, and continuous improvement.

REPORTING TO: Head of School

Dotted Line Reporting: LATAM Finance Director

DIRECT REPORTS:

• Finance Team
• Accounts Payable Function
• Accounts Receivable & Student Billing Function
• Payroll Function

OTHER KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Group Finance
• Regional Finance Teams
• School Leadership Team (SLT)
• Human Resources Department
• Admissions and Marketing Team
• Academic Leadership Team
• Parents and External Service Providers
• Banks, Auditors, Tax Authorities, and Regulatory Bodie

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Reporting and Audit

•  Responsible for all month-end, annual, statutory, and management reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present management accounts, financial statements, KPIs, cash flow reports, and business performance reports to the Head of School, School Leadership Team, and Regional Finance Team.
• Lead internal and external audit processes and coordinate responses to audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, Nord Anglia policies, local statutory requirements, and applicable accounting standards.
• Regularly review the effectiveness of financial controls and compliance procedures.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Financial Planning and Controls
• Lead the annual budgeting process and multi-year financial planning activities.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasts aligned with Nord Anglia requirements.
• Support long-term strategic planning through financial analysis and scenario modelling.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts and provide variance analysis.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ensure appropriate financial planning for capital expenditure projects and strategic initiatives.
•  Maintain and strengthen financial controls to safeguard school assets.

Treasury and Cash Flow Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting and liquidity management.
• Monitor working capital and cash collection performance.
• Ensure proper management of banking relationships and treasury activities.
• Maintain effective controls over cash handling and financial transactions.
• Provide regular cash flow reporting and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Ensure efficient management of school funds
• Accounts Receivable and Revenue Management
• Oversee tuition billing and collection processes.
• Monitor student accounts and collection performance.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing of tuition fees and other school charges.
• Develop strategies to improve collections and reduce overdue balances.
• Support school leadership and families regarding financial matters when appropriate.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of student financial records.

Procurement and Contract Management

• Manage procurement governance processes to ensure compliance with Nord Anglia policies.
• Oversee purchasing activities and ensure appropriate approval procedures are followed.
• Review significant procurement activities and contracts from a financial perspective.
• Monitor supplier performance and contractual compliance.
• Ensure value for money and cost-effective purchasing practices.
• Support vendor negotiations and contract reviews.

Stakeholder Management

• Provide accurate and timely financial information to budget holders and school leaders.
•  Support Regional Finance, Tax, Treasury, and Group Finance teams with required reporting and analysis.
• Partner with school leaders to support informed decision-making.
• Communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Attend and present at regional and school leadership meetings.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance Team.
• Establish clear objectives, accountability measures, and performance expectations.
• Promote a culture of customer service, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Support succession planning and employee engagement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively across all departments to support school objectives.

Payroll and Compliance

• Provide strategic oversight of payroll processes.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate closely with Human Resources on compensation, workforce planning, and salary review processes.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations, labour legislation, and Nord Anglia policies.
• Maintain and update financial policies, procedures, and controls.

Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Ensure effective use of financial systems including OneStream, ERP platforms, payroll systems, and reporting tools.
• Drive automation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote data integrity, operational efficiency, and best practice financial processes.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance financial performance and service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, 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, treasury management, payroll oversight, financial reporting, compliance, and audit management.
• Experience in statutory reporting and IFRS compliance.
• Experience with process improvement and financial systems implementation.
• Experience in international organizations or educational institutions preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of financial reporting and accounting standards.
• Treasury and cash flow management expertise.
• IFRS and statutory reporting experience.
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with OneStream, ERP systems, payroll platforms, and financial reporting tools.

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.