Accounting & Process Improvement Assistant

About the role

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. Founded in 2011, the MET emphasizes academic excellence, exceptional teachers, small class sizes, and a joyful, inspiring environment. The Accounting & Process Improvement Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department, including accounts payable, purchasing, reconciliations, and financial administration, while contributing to process improvement initiatives through technology, data analysis, and automation.

Responsibilities

• Process invoices, payments, and other financial transactions accurately and timely.
• Assist with accounts payable and purchasing activities.
• Support monthly bank and account reconciliations.
• Maintain organized financial records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with month-end close activities as required.
• Support internal and external audit requests.
• Support the purchasing cycle from requisition to payment.
• Ensure invoices and purchasing documentation are properly maintained.
• Follow up with vendors regarding invoices, payments, and outstanding documentation.
• Assist in monitoring open purchase orders and supplier balances.
• Maintain appropriate records in the accounting system and register orders against the appropriate budget line.
• Support departmental tasks and special school projects as required.
• Perform other duties directly related to the role as reasonably assigned by the employer.
• Prepare recurring financial and operational reports.
• Support budget tracking and expenditure monitoring.
• Assist in gathering, validating, and analyzing financial data.
• Develop reports and dashboards that improve financial visibility and decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities to simplify and streamline manual processes.
• Create and maintain Excel‑based tools and automated trackers.
• Assist in the development of dashboards using Power BI.
• Support workflow automation initiatives.
• Document processes and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Contribute ideas that improve efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.

Requirements

• Fixed‑term contract.
• Reports to the Accounting Manager; key relationships include Director of Finance, Finance Team, School Leadership, Parents' Community, and school departments.
• Comply with all adopted school policies and administrative procedures.
• Participate actively in relevant meetings, workshops, training, and school activities.
• Maintain ambitious standards of professional behavior, punctuality, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Follow appropriate communication channels and carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the supervisor.
• Complete all required Nord Anglia University safeguarding training and comply with the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Promote the welfare of children and young people and report any safeguarding concern promptly through the appropriate school channels.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting preferred.

Skills

• 1‑3 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Administration, or a similar role.
• Strong numerical and analytical capabilities.
• Strong IT skills, particularly proficiency with Microsoft applications.
• High level of accuracy, organization, discretion, and administrative capability.
• Accounting, reporting, and general