At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and insights for Cirque du Soleil's growth across EMEA and APAC.
- Company: Join the creative powerhouse of Cirque du Soleil, where imagination meets finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and complimentary show tickets.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on revenue performance in a dynamic, global environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
London Office – Finance and Accounting
About Us
We were born from an eclectic troop of performers. Come live the experience of being yourself every day to create the extraordinary.
Our Mission
Since 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has been focusing on ever more creative and magical work in order to constantly push the limits of the imagination and surprise spectators! Innovation and creativity are at the heart of our shows and will continue to transcend our upcoming productions around the world.
The Opportunity
This is a high-impact commercial finance leadership role at the centre of Cirque du Soleil's revenue performance and strategic growth agenda across EMEA and APAC. As the Director of Commercial Finance – EMEA/APAC, you will serve as the primary finance business partner to the Vice President, Commercial and the regional leadership team, responsible for the financial insights, forecasting, performance analysis, and business intelligence that drive revenue growth, profitability, and long-term enterprise value. Working in close partnership with the VP, Commercial and the General Managers, you will translate business strategy into execution: identifying risks and opportunities, supporting high-stakes commercial decisions, driving accountability through performance metrics, and ensuring disciplined financial management across the EMEA/APAC portfolio.
What You'll Do
- Act as the primary financial advisor to the VP, Commercial and General Managers by supporting the management and optimization of revenue, EBITDA, operating profit, cash flow, and working capital, while monitoring performance against budget, forecast, and strategic objectives and leading monthly business reviews.
- Lead financial forecasting and planning activities, including rolling forecasts, annual budgets, and long-range planning models; build scenario analyses evaluating changes in attendance, pricing strategies, occupancy levels, commercial initiatives, cost structures, and market dynamics.
- Ensure forecasts accurately reflect operational realities and evolving market conditions, and partner with Corporate FP&A to align methodologies and assumptions.
- Partner with the VP, Commercial and cross-functional leaders to assess performance drivers, identify growth opportunities, and optimize profitability, providing actionable recommendations on pricing, demand generation, revenue optimization, and operational decisions.
- Develop and maintain performance reporting and dashboards covering revenue, EBITDA, attendance trends, commercial metrics, operational KPIs, and forecast outlook; prepare monthly business review materials and drive data-based decision-making across the leadership team.
- Support the VP, Commercial and General Manager in executing strategic priorities: providing financial analysis for capital investments, business cases, growth initiatives, commercial partnerships, and cost optimization, and helping prioritize actions that improve long-term enterprise value.
- Promote disciplined financial management practices; ensure integrity and consistency of forecasting, reporting, and KPI tracking; and drive continuous improvements in planning tools, business intelligence solutions, reporting automation, and analytical capabilities.
Success will be measured on: Forecast accuracy, revenue and EBITDA vs. budget, cash flow performance, speed and quality of business decision-making, revenue growth, yield improvement, occupancy performance, forecast reliability, and profitability enhancement.
What You Bring
- Progressive experience in commercial finance, FP&A, or finance business partnering within a complex, matrixed, or global organization.
- Proven track record as a trusted financial advisor to commercial and operational senior leaders, with the ability to influence through data, insights, and credibility.
- Deep expertise in P&L management across revenue, EBITDA, operating profit, cash flow, and working capital.
- Strong experience in financial forecasting, scenario modeling, annual budgeting, and long-range planning.
- Commercially curious mindset, genuine understanding of the drivers of demand, attendance, revenue, guest behavior, and profitability.
- Ability to translate complex financial and commercial data into clear, compelling business recommendations for executive and senior stakeholders.
- Experience developing and maintaining executive-level performance reporting, dashboards, and business intelligence tools.
- Proactive, performance-oriented approach, anticipates risks and opportunities, and balances strategic thinking with disciplined execution across a diverse, multi-market environment.
Bonus Points For:
- Experience across EMEA and/or APAC markets, including multi-currency and multi-jurisdiction financial environments.
- Background in live entertainment, hospitality, touring shows, or a comparably complex consumer-facing industry.
- Experience in revenue management, yield optimization, or commercial strategy.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Complimentary show tickets (4/year).
- A high-visibility commercial finance leadership role with access to senior commercial leadership and real influence over business performance and strategy across EMEA and APAC.
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible and inclusive workplace. Proud ambassador of equality in employment, we are committed to eliminating discrimination based on age, skin color, origins, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation and any other characteristic. Neutral and inclusive writing is now preferred for all new job postings. Accommodations are available for those with disabilities upon request throughout the recruitment process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Director of Commercial Finance - EMEA/APAC employer: Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, allowing employees to express their creativity while contributing to extraordinary projects. With a hybrid work model, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, team members are empowered to thrive in a dynamic environment that values innovation and collaboration. Join a passionate community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of imagination and delivering unforgettable experiences worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Commercial Finance - EMEA/APAC
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Cirque du Soleil. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Cirque du Soleil.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Cirque du Soleil. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Commercial Finance - EMEA/APAC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Cirque du Soleil and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Cirque du Soleil how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cirque du Soleil
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Cirque du Soleil.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Cirque du Soleil's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
