Opening Remarks

Abstract:

Value of Costing: From Insights to Impact. In an era where strategic agility is essential, costing is more than a financial exercise. It's a driver of performance and impact. This session explores how finance leaders can transform costing insights into actionable strategies that shape better decisions across the enterprise.

Learn to move beyond traditional allocations by uncovering true economic cost drivers and applying model-driven approaches that deliver trusted, actionable data. Through expert insights and real-world examples, you'll gain practical tools to elevate cost management and lead with clarity, credibility, and confidence. Join us to turn costing insight into lasting business impact.

Company description:

CostPerform is the leading software solution for cost and performance management. Its design allows organizations to solve costing and profitability challenges with precision, by integrating advanced allocation methodologies, customizable templates tailored to various industries and in-depth insights into cost structures and performance metrics. CostPerform established itself as an essential tool for informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Ready to improve your cost management? Come talk to our knowledgeable team by our booth, and pick up CostPerform merch!

Speaker: Sander den Hartog

Bio:

Sander den Hartog's background is a unique blend of financial costing and endurance sport. An expert in the field of Cost Allocations. Sander will be sure to challenge your assumptions on how financial directors and CFOs should approach costing, and how a small change in your costing mindset can bring cascading positive effects to an organization. His speaking sessions always feature practical insights that you can readily apply to your role, whether you're in manufacturing, finance, the public sector, or beyond. Be sure not to miss out!

Every Dollar is a Decision: Strategic Cost Management Principles for an Uncertain Economy

Abstract:

In a climate where volatility is the new normal, every dollar spent – or saved – is a strategic move. This session reveals field-tested principles of Strategic Cost Management that help CFOs lead with clarity, credibility, and confidence. You will learn to move beyond allocations with purposeful model-driven insights, expose true economic cost drivers, and equip business units with trusted, actionable data. Join the conversation for key takeaways on proven principles, practical techniques, and real-world examples you can put into practice immediately.

Company description:

Armada Consulting delivers actionable financial analytics that drive profitable business behaviors. We design, develop, and deploy enterprise cost and profitability solutions that fuel strategic performance. Our team partners with organizations to uncover financial insights, optimize decision-making, and align operational execution with business goals. Focusing on measurable outcomes, we help clients transform information into insights, and insights into impact.

Speaker: Scott Wise

Bio:

Scott Wise is a leading voice in cost and profitability management, with over 30 years advising Fortune 500 CFOs. A semi-retired Big 4 leader and founder of Armada Solutions, he combines finance methodology and technological innovation to drive enterprise performance. He is now researching, writing, and advising on AI for Finance, with certifications on AI design and strategy from MIT and Oxford. In this session, Scott shares sharp, actionable insights on elevating costing strategically to equip CFOs to move from insight to impact with clarity, credibility, and confidence.

Versatile Usage of Cost Allocation Models: From Profitability To Rates To Strategic Cost Management

Abstract:

PGGM is one of the largest pension fund service providers in The Netherlands, managing €249 billion in assets for 5.6 million participants. PGGM uses their CostPerform cost allocation models not for one, but for many different purposes. The models are used to calculate and set rates for services, but also to gain insights on customer profitability and for strategic cost management. In this session, PGGM's costing team will explain how their cost allocation models evolved over time and how they are now able to use CostPerform for multiple purposes. This session will inspire you with practical insights to help you build or expand the impact of cost allocation models in your own organization.

Company description:

PGGM is one of the largest pension fund service providers in The Netherlands, managing €249 billion in assets for 5.6 million participants. PGGM uses their CostPerform cost allocation models not for one, but for many different purposes. The models are used to calculate and set rates for services, but also to gain insights on customer profitability and for strategic cost management. In this session, PGGM's costing team will explain how their cost allocation models evolved over time and how they are now able to use CostPerform for multiple purposes. This session will inspire you with practical insights to help you build or expand the impact of cost allocation models in your own organization.

Speaker: Aswin Ruijter

Bio:

Aswin Ruijter is a finance and cost management expert with over a decade of experience specializing in costing, profitability, and financial modeling. He currently works as Senior Business Controller at PGGM, one of the Europes' largest pension funds. He manages budgeting and forecasting processes and is responsible for developing and maintaining PGGM’s costing models in CostPerform. These costs models support key areas such as determining SLA pricing, client profitability, and cost benchmarking, including building a model to align internal costs with CEM industry benchmarks.

Throughout his career, Aswin has built a strong track record in driving cost transparency and customer profitability, helping organizations optimize their cost structures and make better-informed decisions. Prior to joining PGGM, he held consulting roles at Accenture and KPMG in the Netherlands and Singapore, where he advised clients across industries on FP&A transformation and enterprise performance management. Furthermore, his consulting work primarily focused on developing and building dynamic cost models and delivering actionable insights into customer profitability.

Driving Long Term Value: The Role Of Culture In Profitability Analytics

Abstract:

In today’s corporate landscape, data-driven decision-making dominates the conversation. Yet, while robust data and sophisticated data warehouses are essential, they are only part of the equation. The human factor, specifically, organizational culture plays an equally critical role in the success of any profitability modeling initiative. In this session, you’ll learn why data alone isn't enough and how culture and executive buy-in determine long-term success. Russell Vannoy shares lessons from Central Garden & Pet’s 17-year ABC journey, offering practical strategies to build resilience into your own modeling efforts. Whether launching a new initiative or sustaining an existing one, this talk will help you future-proof your analytics practice.

Company description:

Central Garden & Pet is a market leader in the pet and garden industries. For over 40 years, Central has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes by bringing innovative and trusted solutions to its consumers and customers. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, and Pennington®, as well as strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture.

Speaker: Russell Vannoy

Bio:

Russell Vannoy brings 10+ years of hands-on experience in Activity-Based Costing (ABC), helping companies turn complex financial data into actionable strategies. As Sr. Manager, Business Intelligence at Central Garden & Pet, he supports 15+ business units through cost modeling and analytics. With a track record at Athlon Solutions and Acorn Systems, and clients like Ingram Micro, he bridges finance, operations, and IT to drive profitability. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas. Join this session to gain insights from a proven leader in cost transparency and financial strategy.

TBD

Details coming soon.

Speaker: Walid K. Jaafar

Company: Saudi Post