France Finance Lead - Accounting & Process Transformation

The position is a hybrid role based in Lyon three days a week, with occasional travel across EU Group locations.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and develop a team of six accounting professionals and contractors.Set up and reshape critical financial processes in a dynamic and growing environment.Ensure the accuracy of periodic financial reporting to Mars Group (US GAAP) and the statutory French GAAP annual financial statements.Present balance‑sheet movements to the management team.Serve as the main point of contact for authorities, bank, internal and external auditors, and tax advisors.Identify and monitor provisions and maintain general ledger accounts.Handle ongoing business transactions and ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements.Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including market operations, business controllers, clinics, and MVHE to ensure effective financial processes, compliance and reporting.Initiate and lead projects to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness within the finance function.Summary of the RoleJob Title: Head of Accounting FranceDepartment: FinanceReports To: Director Record-to-Report OperationsLocation: Lyon, FranceContract: Full‑timeLanguages: Fluent English and FrenchEducation & Professional QualificationsUniversity degree in Economics, Finance or Accounting.Professional certification such as ACCA, CIMA, CA, or CPA preferred.ExperienceMinimum 10 + years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, including at least 5 years in people‑management roles.Proven experience structuring, optimising and scaling accounting processes.Strong proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.Experience with Oracle, Blackline and/or OneStream is an advantage.Fluency in English; French language skills.Strong communication, stakeholder management and collaboration skills.Structured, detail‑oriented and able to work independently in a complex environment.Strong advantages includeExperience in private‑equity backed or M&A‑driven organisations.Exposure to managed service operations.Participation in or leadership of large‑scale finance transformation initiatives.Background in audit.Key CompetenciesBuilds effective teams.Manages complexity.Ensures accountability.Communicates effectively.Balances stakeholders.Mars Veterinary Health is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.Internal Candidates: If you are interested in this role, please reach out to the Corporate Recruiter to learn more about the internal recruitment process.#J-18808-Ljbffr