About AniCura:

AniCura is a family of well-known animal hospitals and clinics specialized in veterinary care for companion animals. AniCura provides modern, high-quality veterinary care for pets at over 500 practices in 15 European countries and creates peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety. AniCura has a turnover of around $1B with the aspiration to expand business through a combination of organic growth and new hospital acquisitions. Every year, AniCura’s 12.000 passionate veterinary professionals attend to three million companion animal patients. Since 2018, AniCura has been a part of Mars Veterinary Health, a family-owned company focused on veterinary care.

Description

1. Job Title: Governance & Control Senior Specialist
2. Department: Governance& Internal Control
3. Reports To: Head of Governance & Internal Control
4. Location: Spain / Italy / Netherlands
5. Languages: Proficiency in English and any other European language is a plus.
6. Contract: Full Time

About the role

In this critical role, you’ll play a key role in strengthening our internal control environment and governance practices. You’ll lead risk assessments, control testing, and investigations, and help design and embed effective internal control measures that align with both internal policies and external expectations.

Your expertise will drive compliance with Mars & AniCura internal control framework, and you’ll be a proactive force in promoting a culture of accountability and operational excellence across the business. You'll also be instrumental in deploying new governance initiatives, policies, and procedures that enhance control maturity and business resilience.

As a key player, you'll dedicate a substantial portion of your time to self-driven initiatives—spanning financial control, policy deployment, ad-hoc governance projects, and improvement initiatives. You will be empowered to make meaningful contributions, while fostering teamwork, adaptability, and a strong business partnership mindset.

Don't miss this opportunity to shape our control environment and broaden your strategic impact across the organization.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of control frameworks across financial processes, ensuring alignment with industry standards, best practices, and Mars & AniCura requirements.
• Drive implementation and check execution of financial controls, including control documentation, walkthroughs, and control testing cycles. Collaborate with internal and external auditors to remediate deficiencies and monitor effectiveness.
• Support and influence the deployment of financial governance policies and procedures, working closely with stakeholders across various markets and functions to ensure consistent adoption and adherence.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and identify process gaps, inefficiencies, or potential fraud risks. Propose practical and scalable solutions that improve risk mitigation and operational efficiency.
• Conduct training sessions and awareness campaigns to increase internal control literacy and foster a culture of compliance and ownership. Engage and educate senior leaders, finance teams, line managers and clinical Associates.
• Ensure timely investigation and resolution of fraud & theft cases (R25), implement remediation actions, share learnings across the organization, and ensure proper case closure within defined timelines.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects that enhance the organization's internal control environment, acting as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on governance topics.

You are expected to have:

• Academic degree in Finance or Accounting. Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA, ACCA, CFA) are highly desirable.
• Qualified Accountant with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience in a similar role within a multinational environment or in a Big 4 audit firm preferred.
• Solid understanding of governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks, with hands-on experience in internal control environments, process improvement, and financial policy deployment.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and reporting standards.

As a person, we believe you are:

• A critical thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
• A confident communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels across the business.
• A team player who brings energy, curiosity, and accountability to everything you do.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, self-directed environment.

Our offer:

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to shape the future of veterinary care, together.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package
• A stimulating work environment with good opportunities for personal development
• Freedom to take responsibility and the opportunity to influence
• Flexible working hours, hybrid working, international, digital work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• The opportunity to cuddle our beloved 4-legged friends in our offices.
• We are always open for a conversation to discuss your individual needs.

If this sounds like you

Please contact Lekya Kanamarlapudi, Group Corporate Recruiter, who is happy to tell you more about this opportunity and the recruitment process. Or apply by submitting your resume through clicking the apply button below.

AniCura is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.