Smiling woman, financial consultant Susan Goodison, sitting at desk in blue jacket with notebook.

Hi, I’m Susan the founder and principal of Financial & Leadership Consultants.

I help governmental and not-for-profit organizations, small to medium-sized businesses, community groups, and individuals strengthen their financial foundations and operational effectiveness, so they can lead with confidence to achieve their goals.

I believe financial knowledge enhances job satisfaction, strengthens engagement, and builds resilience in the face of uncertainty.

I value honesty, accountability, continuous learning, and mutual respect—and bring my full attention and commitment to every consulting, coaching, mentoring, and training engagement I accept.

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Smiling woman, financial consultant Susan Goodison, ringing bell wearing a knitted shawl she made.

I was raised in the rural St. Lawrence River Valley of Northern New York. For much of my adult life I lived and worked in Northern California. I currently make my home with my fiancé in New York's beautiful Southern Tier.

When I’m not obsessing over financials, or sharing my passion for finance with others, you’ll find me working on knitting projects or enjoying nature. I love being surrounded by trees, water, sky, and mountains.

You can connect with me on LinkedIn, at Coffee and Conversations with Incubator Works and at the Upstate New York Business Meetup.

Leadership in State-Level Finance

Driving Results in Local Government

My early career included senior leadership roles at the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) and the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

At CalSTRS, I co-led a $4M initiative to modernize investment accounting and reporting, and I co-chaired the CalSTRS’ Complex Securities Group, guiding analysis of new investment strategies and accounting standards for a $140B investment portfolio.

At CalHFA, I advanced through key roles overseeing bond sales, issuance and administration, ultimately managing financial reporting for over $9B in assets—building deep expertise in public finance, housing, and strategic financial leadership.

Driving Results in Local Government

My local government financial experience includes a variety of roles with the City of Sacramento.

At the City of Sacramento’s Department of Utilities, I served as Business Services Manager, overseeing a multidisciplinary team supporting a 545-employee utility with a $188 million budget. As a member of the Department’s Executive Team, I co-led efforts to secure utility rate adjustments, expand affordability program participation, and launch a department-wide employee recognition initiative.

As a Supervising Financial Analyst, I worked closely with the Executive Team and the City Treasurer’s Office to lead the Department through its first issuance of $245 million of debt secured only by water and wastewater revenues, established a grant management unit, and created procedures to ensure transparency in the use of bond funds.

Financial & Leadership Consultants

I’ve been an independent municipal finance and accounting consultant since 2019 and started Financial & Leadership Consultants in 2022. As an independent municipal finance and accounting consultant, I provide expert consulting, training, and coaching services—both live and on-demand.

Technical Expertise for Financial Operations

I provide specialized support on financial engagements that help organizations meet high standards of fiscal responsibility. 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.

Work that I’ve performed on engagements to date includes expert review and guidance on grant reporting, single audit preparation, and the development of ACFRs and budget books to meet GFOA award criteria. I also advise on best practices for financial policies and procedures in areas such as investments, fixed assets, procurement, and debt administration. I support system modernization by validating data conversion and workflows during new ERP system implementations.

Municipal Finance Consulting

Customized Training for All Leaders – Finance and Operational

On engagements to date, I have designed and delivered tailored financial training for government and utility professionals. My programs support executive leadership in water, wastewater, and storm drainage utilities on topics like municipal bond issuance, enterprise risk management, and long-term financial sustainability. I also offer targeted training for operations managers, covering operating and capital budgeting, utility financial planning, funding strategies using bonds and state revolving fund loans, and the full utility rate-setting cycle.

Coaching and Capacity Building

I provide financial skills assessments and leadership coaching for financial and non-financial managers alike. My assessments help identify current strengths and areas for financial skill growth, and I offer strategic recommendations aligned with the organization’s goals, vulnerabilities, and operational priorities. I also guide organizations in defining finance team roles and responsibilities and developing career ladders—helping attract, retain, and grow a highly qualified financial workforce.

Financial Training & Leadership Coaching

Education & Professional Affiliations

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Concentration: Business Management and Marketing

Passed all sections of the Uniform CPA Examination

Professional Organizations - Current Member

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA)
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
New York Government Finance Officers Association (NYGFOA)

Professional Organizations - Past Member

Association of CA Water Agencies, Finance Committee
CA Debt and Investment Advisory Commission, Speaker Panel

Blue and yellow logos representing Susan Goodison's professional affiliations: GFOA, CalCPA, NYGFOA.

Smiling woman, wearing hat with "Keep Moving Mama" on brim and man biking on wooded trail.

Commitment to Community Service

Community service has been a core part of who I am for as long as I can remember. From organizing a river cleanup in high school to leading fundraising efforts in college as Community Service Chair for my sorority, I’ve always looked for ways to give back. Over the years, I’ve served as Treasurer for my daughter’s preschool and high school theater company, and supported worship communities through roles in Finance/Collections and as a Greeter.

For over a decade, I was an active member of Keep Moving Mama, a women’s fitness and philanthropy group, contributing time and resources to causes like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, W.E.A.V.E., and the Elk Grove Food Bank.

A heart for service continues to guide how I engage—with intention, generosity, and purpose—in my new community here in New York.

Hi, I’m Susan the founder and principal of Financial & Leadership Consultants.