Director of Finance

The Metropolitan School of Panama is a top international school in Panama City, serving students from Early Childhood 3 to 12th grade. With 800 students from 45 nationalities and 120 globally experienced educators, our diverse community is one of our greatest strengths.

Founded in 2011, the MET was built on a vision of academic excellence, exceptional teachers, small class sizes, and a joyful, inspiring environment where every student can thrive.

The Metropolitan School of Panama

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.

Head of School

LATAM Finance Director

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.