Governance and Control Manager

Segment / Business Unit: Mars Veterinary Health Europe (MVH Europe)
Function: Finance
Reporting to: Director Governance & Control
Location: Solihull (UK) or Amsterdam (Netherlands)- must be able to work in the office 2 days a week

About MVH Europe

Mars Veterinary Health (MVH) Europe is a family of leading veterinary care providers committed to creating a better world for pets. Our network includes trusted brands such as AniCura and Linnaeus, operating over 500 animal hospitals and clinics across 17 European countries. Together, our teams deliver high-quality, modern veterinary care for companion animals, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners through excellent access and patient safety.

AniCura, our largest brand in Europe, provides care to over three million patients each year through 12,500 dedicated professionals. Linnaeus, operating primarily in the UK and Ireland, is home to over 6,000 Associates empowered to deliver exceptional care through a culture of collaboration, clinical excellence, and continuous development.

At MVH Europe, we prioritize a culture of accountability, inclusion, and wellbeing. We believe our purpose — to make A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS — starts with building a better world for our people. Operational excellence plays a critical role in enabling scalable growth, consistent quality, and sustainable performance across our clinics and regions.

About the Role

Mars Veterinary Health Europe is seeking a Governance and Control Manager to play a key role in strengthening the internal control environment and promoting governance best practices across our European operations.

This position is instrumental in mitigating risk, strengthening financial governance, and ensuring compliance with Mars Inc. policies and industry standards. Working closely with regional and local finance and operational teams, you will support the deployment and continuous improvement of internal control frameworks while helping embed a strong culture of accountability and compliance across multiple European markets.

The role combines strategic governance oversight with hands-on control execution, making it ideal for a finance professional with strong internal controls, audit, or risk management experience.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Control Framework

• Lead the deployment and continuous improvement of internal control frameworks for financial and operational processes across MVH Europe.

• Manage the implementation, documentation, and testing of financial controls, including walkthroughs and control testing cycles.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify emerging risks and control gaps across financial processes.

• Report inefficiencies, process weaknesses, or potential fraud risks and implement pragmatic solutions to strengthen controls.

• Ensure alignment with Mars Inc. governance policies and compliance standards.

Audit & Control Assurance

• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to address control deficiencies and support remediation actions.

• Provide governance expertise during audit reviews and compliance assessments.

Governance & Policy Implementation

• Drive adoption of financial governance policies and procedures across markets.

• Support local teams to ensure consistent execution and understanding of governance standards.

Process Documentation & Improvement

• Manage the annual update of financial process documentation.

• Support finance transformation initiatives and cross-functional projects as a governance and controls subject matter expert.

Training & Culture

• Deliver training and awareness initiatives to enhance internal control literacy across the organisation.

• Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and strong financial governance.

Fraud Investigation & Remediation

• Investigate and resolve suspected fraud and theft cases (R25).

• Coordinate remediation actions and ensure timely case resolution while sharing lessons learned.

Data & Insights

• Support digital initiatives related to governance, including data analysis and insights generation.

• Contribute to governance reporting and monitoring through analytical tools.

Context & Scope

• Reports to the Director Governance & Control and operates across MVH Europe in a multi-country environment.

• Works closely with regional and local finance teams, financial and business controllers, and support functions.

• Supports both operational control activities and long-term strategic governance initiatives.

• Contributes to the development of internal governance standards aligned with Mars Inc. policies and compliance expectations.

Skills and Responsibilities

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.

• Advanced degree or professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, CFA, or CIA are highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting, internal audit, or internal controls.

• Experience in a multinational organisation or Big 4 audit firm preferred.

• Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks, financial regulations, and accounting standards.

• Experience in control testing, risk assessments, policy deployment, and remediation planning.

Technical Skills

• Strong data analysis and documentation capabilities.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.

• Experience working with ERP systems and governance platforms.

• Experience with Monday boards and Power BI is considered an advantage.

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following leadership capabilities:

• Drives for Results

• Manages Complexity

• Ensures Accountability

• Collaborates and Builds Relationships

• Plans and Aligns

• Communicates Effectively

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

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

Internal Candidates/Associates: If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to understand the internal recruitment