Finance Director – International School

About the role

The Finance Director leads financial management and controllership for Country Day, an international school in Costa Rica. Reporting to the School Leadership Team and working closely with Regional and Group Finance, the role ensures accurate reporting, strong controls, and strategic financial support.

Key responsibilities

• Lead month‑end close, produce management accounts, financial statements and performance reports.
• Oversee statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with local GAAP, IFRS and Group policies.
• Manage internal and external audit processes, from planning to follow‑up on findings.
• Direct budgeting, forecasting and multi‑year financial planning aligned with school strategy.
• Control cash‑flow planning, working‑capital management and liquidity.
• Drive procurement, vendor negotiations and contract management while maintaining cost‑effectiveness.
• Provide financial insights to school leadership, parents, auditors and other stakeholders.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in accounting, controllership or financial leadership, preferably in education or service‑based organisations.
• Proven experience with statutory compliance, audits and financial reporting under IFRS and local GAAP.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop finance teams and to act as a trusted business partner.

Required skills

• IFRS
• GAAP
• Financial reporting
• Budgeting
• Forecasting
• Cash‑flow management
• Audit management
• Procurement
• Contract management
• Tax compliance
• Payroll processing