Head of Support Panama

Regionally rooted, internationally successful—that is Doka, part of the Umdasch Group. Founded over 150 years ago as an Austrian family business, the group has grown to more than 7,000 employees across over 160 sites on 5 continents. We tackle future challenges with creativity, driving continuous growth and innovation.

About the role

This mid-level finance leadership position oversees financial operations, ensures compliance and accuracy in financial reporting, and serves as a strategic partner to drive business performance, governance, and sustainable growth. The Head of Support ensures the availability, accuracy, and reliability of financial, fiscal, legal, and operational information for Doka Panama. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role operates within the global Umdasch Group framework.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Controlling
  • Direct the preparation and delivery of all financial statements (internal and external), including income statements, balance sheets, tax reports, and regulatory filings.
  • Lead financial planning processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and CAPEX planning.
  • Conduct in-depth financial analysis of P&L and balance sheet performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
  • Ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and adherence to corporate and regulatory standards.
  • Review and continuously improve planning and financial management processes.
• Business Partnering & Strategy
  • Act as a strategic partner to the Managing Director and country Leadership Team.
  • Provide financial insights and recommendations to support decision-making across departments.
  • Coordinate cross-functional planning and align business priorities.
  • Analyze long-term economic trends and assess their impact on business performance and growth.
  • Support the development and execution of strategies to drive profitability and market growth.
• Accounting, Compliance & Audit
  • Ensure accurate accounting practices and compliance with local and international regulations.
  • Lead quarterly and year-end closing processes.
  • Manage relationships with external auditors and oversee audit processes and outcomes.
  • Supervise the preparation and review of audited financial statements and tax filings.
  • Implement and monitor internal controls and corrective actions.
• Treasury, Cash & Financial Operations
  • Oversee cash flow management, payments, collections, and intercompany transactions.
  • Ensure financial stability and liquidity planning.
  • Supervise payroll financial processes and ensure accurate execution.
  • Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast.
• Governance, Legal & Risk Management
  • Oversee external legal advisors and review contractual agreements to ensure legal and financial alignment.
  • Support financial decision-making related to real estate transactions, including purchase, leasing, and contract evaluation.
  • Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards and risk mitigation practices.
  • Participate in corporate governance structures and committees (as applicable).
• Leadership & Organizational Oversight
  • Lead and develop the Finance and Controlling teams, including coaching, succession planning, and talent risk assessment.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across departments.
  • Build alignment across business units to ensure consistent financial discipline.
  • Act as a key cultural ambassador in partnership with leadership.
• Functional Oversight
  • Oversee Accounting and Controlling functions.
  • Supervise facility management (as applicable).
  • Support cross-functional operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Perform additional responsibilities aligned with business needs.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Direct oversight of the Accounting team.
  • Leadership responsibility for financial operations and support functions.
  • Cross-functional collaboration with department heads to monitor performance and drive financial improvements.

Requirements

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration required.
  • Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is a plus (not required).
  • CPA is mandatory.
• Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in financial management.
  • Experience in multinational environments (MNC preferred).
  • Proven experience leading an accounting team.
  • Strong background in financial analysis, controlling, and planning.
  • Experience as a Finance Business Partner is highly valued.
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Strong accounting and financial reporting expertise.
  • Experience with ERP systems, SAP FI/CO preferred.
  • Advanced financial analysis and planning capabilities.
  • Proficiency in financial systems and data tools.
• Core Competencies
  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • High level of organization and attention to detail.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
  • Proactive, results-driven, and self-reliant.