Best Practices in Planning and Forecasting

Rick has been with Welch Allyn, a diagnostic medical device manufacturer, for over 27 years, holding various roles in the finance organization. Currently he’s a senior manager in the FP&A group where he’s responsible for coordinating the consolidation of quarterly global revenue and expense forecasts. Recently, he wrapped up a project to implement cloud based forecasting software from Host Analytics. Rick also manages the annual budget process at Welch Allyn, as well as serving as the finance lead for the administrative cost centers. Rick lives and works just outside of Syracuse, NY.

As a financial executive with broad experience in all aspects of budgeting, forecasting, and financial management, Ben Tang is responsible for all FP&A functions at Host Analytics, collaborating with Sales, Services, and Business Units VPs, and their management teams. Prior to Host Analytics, Ben held a wide range of finance positions at Oracle, Taleo, Cicso-Webex, Epiphany, and VLSI. Ben Tang earned a Master of Science in Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cal State East Bay.

John O’Rourke is Vice President of Product Marketing at Host Analytics. With a background in accounting and finance, John has over 30 years of experience in the software industry, and over 16 years of experience in EPM Product Marketing at Hyperion Solutions and Oracle. He has worked with many customers and partners on financial reporting and planning initiatives and has spoken and written on many topics in enterprise performance management. John has also held positions in strategic marketing and product marketing at Dun & Bradstreet Software, Kenan Systems and Decisyon. John has a BS degree in accounting from Bentley University and an MBA from Boston College.

Ernie currently serves as the CEO of 360 Thought Leadership Consulting. 360 Thought Leadership Consulting helps companies define and unlock the strategic value of their thought leadership programs. Previously Ernie served as the Vice President, Educational & Marketing Programs for Proformative. Ernie has overseen the content and execution of over 200 events designed to further the careers of finance and accounting leaders and related professionals. Formerly, Ernie served as the Director of Treasury Services and as a Director of the Corporate Treasurers Council for the Association for Financial Professionals. Ernie has extensive experience in the areas of educational program development and execution, online marketing, website content management, international cash management, and acquisition integration. Ernie has a BS and MS in Economics both from Purdue University.