Smiling woman, financial consultant Susan Goodison, in blue jacket standing in office setting.

Strategic Financial Training & Leadership Coaching

Empowering Organizations Through Talent Development, Financial Expertise & Operational Insight

Financial & Leadership Consultants provides expert financial training, leadership coaching, and organizational analysis—including position development, recruitment, and onboarding—to strengthen local government and organization financial teams and drive smarter decision-making.

As a result of working with us, clients clearly demonstrate their organization’s commitment to the professional development of their employees and teams—leading to greater engagement, trust, collaboration and a sense of purpose and achievement across the team.

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Who We Serve

We partner with state and local governmental and nonprofit organizations, small to medium-sized businesses, and community groups seeking to strengthen their financial teams and support leaders—both seasoned and new—in developing the strategic and technical skills needed to lead with confidence.

Common Needs We Help Meet:

Need to enhance financial knowledge for managers in financial and non-financial roles

Need to enhance ability to make confident, data-driven financial decisions aligned with strategic goals

Need for expert support with position development, hiring, and onboarding

Desire to invest in leadership development and employee engagement

Our Solutions & Services

Financial consultant Susan Goodison training an audience of municipal finance professionals.

Financial Training & Leadership Coaching

Off the shelf or customized financial training delivered live, virtually, or on-demand

Financial leadership coaching and mentoring for individuals and teams

Proprietary financial skills assessments to identify strengths and growth areas—The Financial Skills Inventory Self-Assessment (FSA)

On-call financial and administrative subject matter expertise and resources to support knowledge and skill development

Organizational Analysis & Talent Development

Strategic input on finance team structures, roles, and career ladders

Succession planning and employee retention strategies

Support for recruitment, selection, and onboarding of financial professionals

Review and refinement of organizational processes to strengthen financial oversight

Financial Skills Inventory Self-Assessment (FSA)

The Financial Skills Inventory Self-Assessment (TM) is a self-evaluation tool designed to help finance professionals reflect on their current strengths and identify areas for professional growth. With a clearer understanding of their skills today, individuals can take intentional steps toward building the expertise they need to lead with confidence.

If you or your team are looking to grow in capability, confidence, and impact, the FSA is a great place to start.

Download a sample FSA report below. Then, contact us to take the assessment.

Sample FSA Report (pdf)

Download

Smiling woman, financial consultant Susan Goodison, talking on a video call in a blue jacket.

How We Work

Services are provided on-site or remotely, tailored to client needs and delivered per negotiated agreements.

We work collaboratively as part of your team, focused on achieving results and empowering your workforce.

Why Choose Us

Over 20 years of public sector finance experience, including 13 years in senior management and executive leadership roles

Recognized for creating high-performing teams and making finance accessible—even fun

Unique ability to bridge technical expertise with coaching and team development

Proven success with repeat clients and referrals based on trust, quality, and results

Have more questions about how we work? Review our FAQ page.

Relevant Experience

Woman's hands holding business books on desk with computer and award medals nearby.

Consulting Highlights:

Delivered leadership coaching to newly promoted financial managers

Designed onboarding programs and structured training plans for finance teams

Conducted financial skills assessments and facilitated group learning sessions

Provided strategic recommendations on finance team structures and hiring processes

Career Highlights:

City of Sacramento, Department of Utilities
Oversaw development and implementation of employee onboarding and recognition programs
Built high-performing management teams through intentional team-building
Created and led Grants Management Section, improving grant reporting and invoicing compliance

California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)
Business Lead on $4M project to design and implement best practices for investment accounting and reporting
Recruited, hired and onboarded members of the newly created Investment Accounting team