Head of Support Panama

Company Description

Regionally rooted. Internationally successful.

That is what Doka, as part of the Umdasch Group, stands for. As an Austrian family company established more than 150 years ago, the group started as a leading regional business in the Amstetten area. Now with more than 7,000 employees at over 160 sites on 5 continents it has expanded far beyond its original base. We address future issues by taking a creative stance to seek solutions and thus we are always on track for growth.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

Mid finance leader, responsible for overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy of financial reporting, and acting as a key strategic partner to drive business performance, governance, and sustainable growth.

The Head of Support is responsible for ensuring the availability, accuracy, and reliability of financial, fiscal, legal, and operational information for Doka Panama.

This role leads and oversees all financial operations, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and local regulations while acting as a strategic business partner to support decision-making and long-term business sustainability.

The position reports directly to the Managing Director and operates within the global Umdasch Group framework.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 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

2. 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 impact on business performance and growth
• Support development and execution of strategies to drive profitability and market growth

3. 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 preparation and review of audited financial statements and tax filings
• Implement and monitor internal controls and corrective actions

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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 Accounting team
• Leadership responsibility for financial operations and support functions
• Cross-functional collaboration with department heads to monitor performance and drive financial improvements

Qualifications

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

Additional Information

If you are results-oriented and a team player, have a positive attitude, are eager to contribute based on your experiences while learning about a complex business, then this is your opportunity to make an immediate impact. 

Candidates must reside in Panama and be authorized to work for any employer in Panama without the need for sponsorship.