Transform Your Business with Expert Financial Consulting and Strategy
Expert Consulting for Strategic Planning and Sustainable Business Growth
Firm Overview
Our Purpose
Our Approach
Our Purpose
At Upstate Strategic Partners, we help small to mid-sized businesses unlock clarity, confidence, and growth through expert financial and operational consulting. Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or simply need a trusted advisor, we provide the strategic insight and hands-on support to move your business forward.
Our Founder
Our Approach
Our Purpose
James Fickling is a senior financial executive with over 20 years of experience leading companies through growth, transformation, and turnarounds. He has served as CFO and Controller for private equity-backed and mission-driven organizations across multiple industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology.
“I founded Upstate
James Fickling is a senior financial executive with over 20 years of experience leading companies through growth, transformation, and turnarounds. He has served as CFO and Controller for private equity-backed and mission-driven organizations across multiple industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology.
“I founded Upstate Strategic Partners to serve businesses that need high-impact leadership without the full-time cost. My goal is to be a trusted partner, delivering practical solutions that create lasting results.”
James combines technical expertise with a relational approach, rooted in integrity, faith, and a passion for helping leaders thrive.I partner with organizations in need of financial leadership—whether through consulting, interim support, or strategic advisory—to deliver clarity, structure, and measurable impact.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Our Approach
We offer tailored consulting and outsourced leadership in the following areas:
- Fractional CFO & Interim Finance Leadership
- Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
- Leadership Gap Assessment & Development
- 90-Day Financial Transformation Projects
Each engagement is customized to your unique challenges and objectives.
Who We Serve
Our Philosophy
Our Approach
Our clients are growth-minded leaders running small to mid-sized businesses—often navigating transitions, complexity, or new opportunities. We excel in providing consulting services to organizations that value partnership, insight, and a steady hand in times of change. Industries we’ve served include:
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Manufactu
Our clients are growth-minded leaders running small to mid-sized businesses—often navigating transitions, complexity, or new opportunities. We excel in providing consulting services to organizations that value partnership, insight, and a steady hand in times of change. Industries we’ve served include:
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Manufacturing & Distribution
- Construction & Trades
- Technology & Software
- Faith-Based & Nonprofit Organizations
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We believe in doing meaningful work with lasting impact through expert consulting. Our guiding principles:
- Clarity – We bring structure and insight to complexity
- Stewardship – We care for your business like it's our own
- Partnership – We lead alongside you, not above you
- Integrity – We operate with transparency, honesty, and trust
- Faith – Our values shape how we lead and serve others
Why Choose Us?
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We provide C-suite-level consulting experience at a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing quality, availability, or results. When you work with us, you get:
- Executive-level leadership without long-term overhead
- Customized solutions based on real-world experience
- A relational, responsive, and outcomes-driven partner