Let’s Build a Strong Financial Foundation Together.
Strategic Advisors for Public Purpose, Financial Clarity & Leadership Growth
Manage Your Finances with Confidence, Transparency and Accountability
In a time of funding volatility and heightened public interest, it's more important than ever for public sector organizations to manage their finances with confidence, transparency and accountability.
Financial & Leadership Consultants partners with governmental and nonprofit organizations, small to medium-sized businesses, community groups, and individuals to strengthen their financial foundations—helping them achieve their goals and build public trust.
With deep expertise in municipal finance and a strategic approach to talent development, we help our clients navigate complexity, build internal capacity, and drive sustainable impact. Whether augmenting technical expertise or strengthening leadership pipelines, our consulting, training, and coaching services deliver measurable results where they matter most—in your people, processes, and financial outcomes.
Member of GFOA, NYGFOA, ICMA, and CalCPA.
Currently accepting clients in New York and California. Contact us.
Collaborating to Navigate Complex Financial Challenges
I’m Susan Goodison, founder and principal of Financial & Leadership Consultants.
I help mission-driven organizations and leaders—virtually or in person—navigate complex financial challenges. As a trusted extension of your team, I bring strategic insight, practical experience, and political awareness from my 20+ year career in municipal finance, with 13 of those years as an executive and senior manager.
I combine technical expertise with a coaching mindset. I don’t just solve problems—I empower you to build lasting financial confidence. Whether you're a nonprofit board member or a town finance director, I meet you where you are.
I start by listening—really listening—to understand your goals, challenges, and team capacity. Then I design practical, right-sized solutions that fit your culture, community, and current stage of growth. Whether you need a quick fix or long-term support, I adjust my role to serve as a partner, guide, or coach—whatever you need most.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about me here.
Our Services
Municipal Finance Consulting
I offer fractional CFO services and tailored support in areas such as long-term financial planning, budgeting, reporting, cashflow forecasting, financial strategy, policy development, audit and debt issuance preparation and support, ERP transitions, and financial health and sustainability assessments.
Financial Training & Leadership Coaching
I provide off-the-shelf and customized financial training, leadership coaching, and organizational analysis to help governments and small businesses build skilled teams, strengthen structures, and improve financial performance.
Real-World Impact
I have deep, practical experience in public sector finance, leadership, and operations.
Past work includes:
- Municipal Utilities Management: Executive and senior leadership roles supporting the operations and strategic planning of a large city water, wastewater, and drainage utility serving over 135,000 customers.
- Regional Air Quality and Environmental Programs: Consulting support for a regional air quality management district serving a major metropolitan area.
- Public Pension System: Senior leadership experience with the largest state teachers’ retirement systems, focused on complex investment accounting and reporting, strategic planning and operational effectiveness.
- State Housing Policy and Program Administration: Executive-level contributions to a state department responsible for housing and community development initiatives, supporting policy implementation and organizational leadership.
- State Housing Finance Operations: Independent contracting and senior leadership experience with a state housing finance agency, raising funds to expand access to affordable housing.
Learn more about my experience in public sector finance, leadership, and operations.
Speaking / Events
Meetups
- Coffee and Conversations events at Incubator Works
- The Upstate New York Business Meetup
Conferences
- GFOA Conference Chronicles - trending accounting and finance topics from annual conference. August 4th, 2025.
- More conference resources.
Need a financial professional to speak at your event? Let's talk.