Overview
Finance Controller Jobs in Southampton, England, United Kingdom at SIVA Group
Title: Finance Controller
Company: SIVA Group
Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom
Job Title: Finance Manager / Controller
Location: Southampton (Woolston)
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Reporting to: Day to day into Head of Operations / Functionaly to Group CFO (Siva Group).
About Us
Siva Group is a proud, family-run UK SME with deep roots in the flexible packaging industry. We combine the agility of a close-knit team with the reach of an established group. One of our affiliate companies is a fast-moving, £15m+ turnover business that plays a critical role in our supply chain and customer delivery.
We’re now looking for a hands-on, commercially aware Finance Manager / Controller to take full ownership of operational finance and support logistics. This isn’t a role for someone who wants to sit back – you’ll be at the heart of daily decision-making, from invoicing to cashflow, and from VAT returns to managing auditor relationships.
The Role
Reporting directly into leadership, you will be the number one finance person for these affiliates, which are growing rapidly. You’ll manage the entire finance function and act as a bridge between numbers and operational reality – including supporting logistics. Key responsibilities include:
- Invoicing, Credit Control & Accounts Receivable – owning the order-to-cash cycle, reducing DSO, and chasing payments professionally but firmly.
- Accounts Payable – managing supplier payments, reconciling statements, and maintaining good supplier relationships.
- Cashflow & Banking – daily cash management, forecasting, and bank reconciliations.
- VAT Reporting – preparing and submitting accurate VAT returns (UK).
- Account Reconciliations – full balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany, and stock / logistics-related accounts.
- Managing 3rd Parties – leading the relationship with auditors, tax advisors, and banks.
- Logistics Support – working closely with operations and leadership to ensure excellent customer service.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll have worked in a UK SME environment before – ideally manufacturing, packaging, or distribution – and you’re comfortable with the pace, variety, and “no job too small” mentality.
This role is perfect for an ambitious finance professional who wants to use their skills to run a business; would suit a qualified accountant looking to transition into industry or an experienced SME finance manager wanting more ownership and growth in another SME.
- Essential skills:
- Good SME accounting software skills – Sage preferred.
- Excellent Microsoft Office (Excel – pivot tables, lookups, basic modelling).
- Strong and demonstrable operational finance experience (AR, AP, VAT, reconciliations, cashflow).
- Ability to manage audit and third-party relationships independently.
- High attention to detail, with a problem-solving mindset.
- Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience in flexible packaging or logistics.
- Part-qualified / qualified by experience (ACCA, CIMA, AAT) – we value practical ability over letters.
What We Offer
- A visible, influential role in a growing £15m+ standalone business.
- Autonomy to shape processes and improve controls.
- Supportive family-run culture, with direct access to senior leadership.
- Competitive salary and benefits, in line with market comparables for an SME Finance Manager/Controller.
- Genuine opportunity to grow with the business as the group expands.
Salary (market comparable range): £50,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience) + benefits
