Manager Project

RICHARD J. ENSIGN

** ******* *****

Rocky Hill, Connecticut 06067

860-***-**** (Voice) ********@***.*** (e-mail)

PROFILE

Accomplished Financial/Information Technology Consultant-Executive, seeking further challenge

and opportunity for advancement.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

I have a background featuring a record of productivity, professionalism and consistent performance excellence in highly visible and increasingly responsible roles requiring a combination of financial acumen, high level technological expertise, and project management and leadership/communication skills. Within the last ten years, I transitioned my career from financial accounting to Cognos design and implementation of complex multidimensional Planning and Forecasting models. I have excelled on major client engagements across a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals/research & development, healthcare, public sector, financial services, entertainment, and cable television. I have had prior career success as a financial consultant/turnaround specialist, wealth advisor, entrepreneur, and business management.

I am an energetic, entrepreneurial, results-oriented, client-focused, solution-driven individual possessing un-paralleled skills as an analyst, strategist and operational manager. I believe I have outstanding analytical, interpersonal, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills. I have extensive experience working with senior management and client relations. I possess ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of a Corporate Structure, the expertise in understanding the business needs in multiple areas of that organization and collaboratively designing, developing, refining, testing and implementing solutions to meet those needs.

EXPERIENCE:

Independent Contractor

PFIZER, INC. PGRD HEADQUARTERS- Groton, CT March 2013 – Present

Lead TM-1/EP Architect

Led a three person team which upgraded Cognos v8.4 to v10.1 including migrations of all models and data on an Oracle 11g DB platform.

Personally responsible for maintaining All of Pfizer’s’ Financial Models i.e., Hierarchies, Access Rights, FX tables, Data Loads etc. as well as weekly EPM feeds (Pfizer’s system for tracking clinical drug trials).

Utilized SQL Queries in TOAD as well as PEOPLESOFT to load employee files for Compensation models.

Designed and built 6 TM-1 Models in a TEST environment utilizing complex TI Processes to mitigate Rule writing so as not to degrade performance of Pfizer’s RDM and MDG Business Unit Divisional Forecast, Clinical Trial and Consolidation Models.

Designed, updated and published Transformer/Power Play reports as well as Business Object reports.

Responsible for all documentation and flowcharts of all the models in Visio, and User Rights Roles in Cognos Access Manager.

Met with VP of Finance to discuss inefficiencies of current Cognos Planning and reporting solutions and was asked to development a detailed plan for a complete overhaul of current Software Platform and Planning and Forecasting Processes along with Timeframes, Cost/Benefit Analysis

ANN TAYLOR- Manhattan, NY March 2014 – July 2014

Lead EP/TM-1 Architect

Gathered Requirements, Designed and Built a Financial Model to Track all aspects of Mexico P & L

Linked and Integrated the newly designed model to all of Ann Taylor’s existing Corporate Structure

Built Reporting Component and integrated that as well.

Met with Senior Director of Finance to discuss Pain Points of current system including dramatic decreases in Worker productivity, slow response times to Stores, Vendors and Users as well as frequent System Downtime that disrupts Monthly Planning and Forecasting activities.

Developed a detailed analysis for moving away from an Analyst 32 bit System and very specific Technology improvements IE Tableau, Cognos TM-1 Planning and Contributor to Workflow to track and increase Productivity as well as Statistical Software (SPSS) to more accurately track all areas of Sales, Marketing.

WALT DISNEY (WDSHE Studio Div.)- BURBANK, CA August 2012 – Feb 2013

EP/TM-1 ARCHITECT September 2013 – Dec 2013

Enhanced and redesigned existing 8.3 Forecast, AOP and Rolling forecast models, Assumptions and Global Expenses (ANR, APR), to increase efficiency, decrease maintenance and accommodate evolving user requirements as EP Architect.

Given responsibility for the Highly guarded Studio Labor model with the task of loading Salary Merit and Bonus data as well as increasing the efficiency of its operation

Led a team of 3 to solve a complex FX issue with OI that was causing APR and Passback inconsistencies

Designed an EP fix to include Disney’s Pixar Canada in the Budget/Forecasting Expenses run to the Datamart

Designed several P.O.C TM-1 models in a Test Environment for Disney’s move to TM-1.

Ironside, Group

Lexington, MA Oct 2011- July2012

Senior TM-1 Lead Consultant

Hired to Develop a TM-1 practice

Published several articles detailing the ability, ease, and advantages, of utilizing Cognos TM-1, as well as the most efficient way to Use Skipchecks and Feeders in a Rules statement. In addition I detailed the significant differences between Cognos TM-1 versions 9.5 and 10.1

Created COGNOS MDX TRAINING Manuals with Demos to be used in corporate and private client classroom environments

Worked closely with sales staff to create Marketing/Sales Demos for Cognos Insight and Cognos TM-1

FIDELTY INVESTMENTS-INTERNATIONAL OFFICE IN INDIA

TM-1 ARCHITECT – COGNOS TM-1 V10.1

Designed proof of concept TM-1 model to track Fidelity’s win and loss ratio and convert that to a SEC compliant report structure that dramatically increased efficiency across the entire Portfolio Management department

Designed second proof of concept TM-1 models to track statistics on Fidelity’s Defined Benefit, contribution and 401K plans for MDX reporting.

TUFTS HEALTH PLAN- WATERTOWN, MA

Lead EP ARCHITECT

Enhanced and redesigned existing 8.4 Platform, to increase efficiency, decrease maintenance and accommodate a new division recently acquired by Tufts Health Plan.

Trained administrators on the Functions and Usage of Analyst and the Contributor Admin Console

Created detailed documentation of EP Healthcheck with Screenshots of all needed functionalities in Analyst and the Contributor Admin Console.

Met with Senior Director of Finance to discuss Pain Points of current reporting System and to suggest and demonstrate enhancements that would dramatically increase worker productivity utilizing a TM-1 Platform for Reporting currently being done from the EP Analyst environment.

GALLERY AUTOMOTIVE-NORWOOD, MA

TM-1 ARCHITECT- Cognos Express

Designed and rebuilt General Ledger cube Architecture in Cognos TM-1 Express to better suit Gallery’s need to report on specific pieces of their data.

Created several TI processes to update hierarchy and load monthly GL data

Created Reports and trained Accounting Manager to create views for use in Active Forms and TM-1 Web

MESTEK INC. – WESTFIELD, MA

TM-1 ARCHITECT – Cognos Express

Designed General Ledger cube Architecture in Cognos TM-1 Express

Created several TI processes to update an evolving multi-hierarchical chart of Accounts in the GL cube as well as to load monthly GL data.

Created complex spreading formulas in order for Mestek to accurately budget and Forecast Bad Debt Expense, Product Liability, Salaries and Overtime etc. across Mesteks’ many business divisions.

Met with CFO to discuss integrating HADOOP based SPSS Statistical Software in order to more accurately predict the lifecycle of Mesteks’ manufacturing processes.

CYBERONICS- HOUSTON, TX

Lead EP ARCHITECT

Enhanced and redesigned existing 8.4 Platform, to increase efficiency, decrease maintenance and accommodate evolving user requirements.

Trained administrators on the Functions and Usage of Analyst and the Contributor Admin Console

Created detailed documentation with Screenshots of all needed functionalities in Analyst, Contributor, and the Contributor Admin Console.

Met with CFO and Senior Directors of Finance to speak and demonstrate the Future Technologies of TM-1 integrated with SPSS statistical software to meet the needs of a rapidly growing soon to be FDA approved Vega and Aspire Nerve stimulating devices to control Seizures and Epilepsy as well as individuals with Depression, unresponsive to conventional Drug Therapies.

Niteo Partners

Princeton, NJ 2009-2011

FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES- DANBURY, CT

EP SUPPORT ARCHITECT

Responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrade and implementation from Cognos BI & EP 8.4 to Cognos10.1.

Worked with BI specialist to install, configure and upgrade Fuel Cell Energy’s 8.4 BI and EP environments to the new Cognos 10.1 software Platform utilizing a 32bit server and Oracle Database. Unique tactics were used to upgrade the EP models because Fuel Cell’s 8.4 production Content Store had become corrupted and a Deployment and subsequent Import into the 10.1 environment using the Contributor Admin Console was not possible. Models therefore had to be upgraded manually along with Admin Links System Links, Macros and Access Tables etc. In addition the data was migrated from the 8.4 Production environment and populated using a combination of ETL and some text Import from the 10.1 CAC.

WALT DISNEY (WDSHE Studio Div.)- BURBANK, CA

EP SUPPORT ARCHITECT

Enhanced and redesigned existing 8.3 Forecast, AOP and Rolling forecast models, Assumptions and Global Expenses (ANR, APR), to increase efficiency, decrease maintenance and accommodate evolving user requirements as EP Architect.

It evolved into a Project Management role where I was responsible for a team of 4 that Monitored, Repaired, and Supported Models integrated with 35 ETL’s and multiple Admin Link and Publish Macros running on compressed 90 minute schedules creating many interdependencies.

Implemented an extensive migration of data from SAP, the WDSHE Data mart, several ancillary databases in Europe and Asia to the Cognos models.

Lead a team of 10 Tech Support Analysts in the Regression Testing for Cognos EP Hot site fix 8.3.85.18-0 where I tested and resolved intricate user issues with loss of data during reconciliation. I received many words of commendation from both the Lead Project Manager from IBM to the Director of IT at Disney for diagnosing and repairing corrupted links.

Designed a P.O.C TM-1 model in a Test Environment for Disney’s future move to TM-1.

TELECOM SYSTEMS INC. - ANNAPOLIS, MD

SENIOR COGNOS TM-1 CONSULTANT

Used my expertise in EP training in TM-1 to do an EP to TM-1 Conversion of Revenue/Expense Budget/Forecast models as well as Compensation model.

Analyzed existing models, environments, and requirements by gathering data from multiples professional levels from the CFO to end users.

Collaborated in the design of a Proof of Concept model as well as building the models utilized in Rollout to end users.

Trained and supported the Finance Team as well as created documentation for all model maintenance processes and Data Loads of Actuals.

CHENAGA CORPORATION- ANCHORAGE, AK

SENIOR COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Installed and Configured New Cognos 8.4 EP Software, including LDAP Security in an Oracle Environment.

Analyzed existing Excel spreadsheets, environments and performed requirements gathering from CFO and Director of Finance.

Utilized previous Project Management experience to lead a 4 person team that Collaborated in the design and Build of a Proof of Concept model that was completed a week ahead of deadline set.

Designed and built from existing Excel Spreadsheets, a Cash Flow Analysis model to track Government Defense Contract Revenue on a weekly basis to determine short term borrowing needs.

Architected a Solution as well as Lead the building of the Production models utilized in Rollout to Finance Department meeting all milestones set forth at the beginning of the Project

Trained and Supported Finance Team as well as created documentation for all model maintenance processes and Data Loads of Government contract revenue.

FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES – DANBURY, CT.

SENIOR COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Enhanced and redesigned existing 8.3 Forecast model as well as BI Framework Manager Packages to increase efficiency, decrease maintenance, and accommodate evolving user requirements as an EP Architect.

Trained and supported the Finance Team as well as created Documentation for all model maintenance processes and publish schedules for Framework Manager.

Suggested future design changes and Software acquisition planning to accommodate growing areas of business.

Blue Line Planning

Crosswicks, NJ 2005-2009

ANN TAYLOR- MILFORD, CT

SENIOR COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Lead a 2 person team that managed a conversion from Oracle to SAP in a Cognos 7.3 Analyst only environment.

Rebuilt Compensation and Forecasting models as well as redesigned a mapping cube to link the old accounts in Oracle to the new account in SAP.

Trained Users in new functionalities

This was accomplished in conjunction with Health Net.

HEALTH NET- BOSTON, MA

SENIOR COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

In a Cognos 7.3 environment given responsibility to designed and built in Analyst, a 2009 rolling forecast model along with the construction of several Administration Links to migrate data.

Performed the data migration and conducted user training on the functionalities of the new process.

Created User Rights Roles as well as created documentation and flowcharts of all the models in Visio using Access Manager.

SXE HEALTH- NAPERVILLE, IL

SENIOR COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Finalized changes to a newly created Compensation and Forecasting model in a Cognos 8.3 environment.

Built and/or redesigned Access tables in Contributor for the new models and created user rights in Access Manger.

Loaded data, conducted user training, and created Flowchart documentation of all the models in Visio as well as Conducted UAT.

US PATENT & TRADE OFFICE- ALEXANDRIA, VA

LEAD COGNOS EP ARCHITECT

Upgraded and converted models from Cognos 8.2 to 8.3. These Models included: Compensation, Human Resources, Forecasting, Capital Expenditures, Metrics, and President’s Budget.

Designated as Project Manager and successfully managed the redesign as Lead Cognos Architect of all seven models within a highly compressed three month time frame, hitting all milestones set forth at the start of the Project.

Conducted an in-depth analysis and re-design of each model, and then managed a 10 person team through all phases from business intelligence, to logistics, to user training.

Utilized PEOPLESOFT to load HR files for Compensation models.

Created User Rights Roles, documentation and flowcharts of all the models in Visio and Access Manager

Trained all 25 users on the functionalities of the new platform and the Administrators on the running of the Admin Link and Publish schedules.

MET LIFE- WARWICK, RI

SENIOR COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Repaired and redesigned to increase efficiency of the Written Exposure model built in an 8.1Cognos environment. – This involved removing and/or combining 25 D-links in Analyst.

Located and repaired an elusive circular reference located in one of the Calculations of a D-list that was plaguing the model and its users for several months.

Improved the efficiency of Contributor input calculation times from twenty plus minutes to just less than two minutes, receiving praise by management for achieving this huge impact in a two month time frame.

Created documentation and flowcharts of all the models in Visio-Conducted User Training.

PFIZER, INC. PGRD HEADQUARTERS- NEW LONDON, CT

COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Part of a three person team which implemented a Cognos 7.2 to 7.3 migrations of all models and data.

Singled out to redesign Activity-based, Consolidated and Compensation Models.

Personally responsible for maintaining Capital Expenditure Model and performed weekly EPM feeds

Utilized SQL Queries in TOAD as well as PEOPLESOFT to load employee files for compensation models.

Designed, updated and published Power Play reports as well as some business object reports.

Created documentation and flowcharts of all the models in Visio, and User Rights Trees in Access Manager.

DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS- SILVER SPRING, MD

COGNOS EP CONSULTANT

Redesigned the Forecast model and associated D-Links and Administrative links in a Cognos 7.3 environment, as my first Cognos assignment.

Loaded data into US Net Operations Model via ODBC and Import Tables to initiate their year-end budget cycle.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

I have significant experience with the following software:

IBM Cognos EP Planning 7.2 thru 10.2

Cognos TM1 9.4/9.5 and 10.2.2 Architect,Perspectives, TM-1 WEB, Active Forms and Performance Modeler

Cognos Insight

Cognos BI Author,

IBM Cognos BI Administration

IBM Cognos BI Meta Data Modeler.

Additional technical proficiencies include SQL, TOAD, PeopleSoft, Power Point, Visio, and high level MS Excel and Access capabilities. Oracle DB2

Desktop: Excel, Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Visio, Access

Web Related: HTML, JavaScript.

COGNOS CERTIFICATIONS:

Certified IBM Cognos TM-1 Advanced Solution Expert (Masters Course)

Certified IBM Cognos BI Multi-Dimensional Author

Certified IBM Cognos EP Planning

Certified IBM Cognos EP Professional

Certified Professional Cognos TM1 9.4/9.5 Analyst and Developer.

Certified IBM Cognos BI Author

Certified IBM Cognos BI Administration Professional

Certified IBM Cognos BI Meta Data Modeler

Product Specialist in:

IBM Cognos 10

IBM Cognos Metrics Manager

PowerPlay (Web/Client)

Impromptu / IWR

Transformer

Access Manager

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Finance & Accounting- University of Connecticut, 1990

OTHER SKILLS AND INTERESTS

Cognos certified Business Architect and charter 24 Ways Consultant (business processes).

Presenter at International Cognos Users Group meeting, 2005, and 2008; and periodically at local users group meetings.

Databases: SQL Server including DTS scripts, Oracle, DB2, Sybase, Access.

Other Software: Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, Visio, HTML, JavaScript.

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