GL Accounting Manager in London

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 prioritise 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. We support our teams through strong governance, comprehensive wellbeing programs, and a shared passion for delivering exceptional outcomes in veterinary care.

Role Purpose: Mars Veterinary Health Europe is seeking a highly capable and hands-on GL Accounting Manager to oversee daily general ledger operations for UK and Ireland and ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of the ledger. This role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality financial reporting by managing transactional postings, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and timely period-end processes. You will also support audit activities and maintain strong internal controls in line with the Mars Internal Controls Excellence framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of accounting professionals managing the financials for 200+ UK&I clinics.
• Oversee daily GL operations including postings, balance sheet reconciliations, and chart of accounts maintenance.
• Prepare accurate trial balances to support financial reporting processes.
• Manage journal entries and approvals, accruals, prepayments, and routine adjustments.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes, including transaction cut-off.
• Support audit processes by preparing PBC deliverables, responding to queries, and resolving issues.
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls in line with Mars policies.
• Collaborate closely with AP, AR, Treasury, Tax, and Group Accounting teams to ensure data integrity.
• Promote a culture of control excellence and continuous improvement.
• Identify and remediate control gaps within the Mars Internal Controls Excellence framework in partnership with the Controls & Governance team.

Context & Scope: As part of the MVHE Finance Operations team, you will work closely with market operations, finance teams, clinics, and external auditors. The role requires ensuring compliance with internal policies and external standards including US GAAP and local GAAP.

This position demands:

• Strong leadership capability
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage complex accounting processes in a dynamic environment
• Confidence operating within a large group structure

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• University degree in Economics, Finance, or Accounting.
• Professional certification (ACCA, CIMA, CA, CPA) preferred.

Experience & Skills:

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• At least 2+ years in a people management role.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a strategic view.
• Experience leading teams through change.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with Oracle and Blackline is advantageous.
• Fluent in English.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Advantageous Experience:

• Reporting into a large group environment.
• Experience with managed service operations.
• Participation in or leadership of transformation initiatives.
• Background in auditing.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds Effective Teams
• Manages Complexity
• Ensures Accountability
• Communicates Effectively
• Balances Stakeholders

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.

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.