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
Tailored Services for Sustainable Growth
Initial Consultation (30-Minute Call)
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis
The Initial Consultation service provides a 30-minute call to discuss your business needs, challenges, and goals. During this session, we will review your current situation and identify key areas where strategic advice and consulting services can make a significant impact. This call serves as an opportunity to understand your business’s unique requirements and determine how our expertise can best support your objectives. Whether you're seeking financial insights, operational improvements, or leadership development, this consultation allows us to explore potential solutions and outline the next steps for a tailored consulting approach. This is a no-obligation, focused conversation to ensure a clear understanding of your needs and how we can work together effectively.
Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis
Providing comprehensive strategic financial planning and analysis to help organizations optimize their financial performance. This service includes in-depth financial forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning to ensure your business can make informed decisions based on accurate, data-driven insights. By identifying potential financial risks and opportunities, Helping businesses create long-term strategies for sustainable growth and profitability. Whether it’s assisting with mergers and acquisitions, evaluating capital investment opportunities, or restructuring financial operations, our expertise ensures that your financial strategies align with your overall business objectives.
Reach out to us for more information!
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Specializing in driving operational efficiency and process optimization to enhance productivity and reduce costs across your organization. By analyzing existing workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing best practices, We help businesses streamline their operations and improve internal processes. This service includes process mapping, automation recommendations, and the implementation of performance metrics to ensure continuous improvement. Whether you’re aiming to enhance supply chain management, improve customer service delivery, or optimize internal operations, We will help you achieve operational excellence while maintaining high-quality standards.
Leadership and Organizational Development
Leadership and Organizational Development
Operational Efficiency and Process Improvement
Offering leadership and organizational development services to help businesses build strong, effective teams and develop leadership capabilities within the organization. This service focuses on leadership coaching, succession planning, and enhancing team dynamics. I work closely with senior executives to identify leadership gaps and develop tailored training programs that improve decision-making, communication, and team collaboration. Additionally, Assisting in aligning organizational structure with strategic goals to ensure that your leadership team is positioned to drive business success. Whether you're looking to enhance executive leadership, cultivate emerging leaders, or improve cross-functional team collaboration, this service is designed to strengthen your organization's human capital.
90-Day Financial Transformation Project
Leadership and Organizational Development
90-Day Financial Transformation Project
Unlock the full potential of your business with a focused, high-impact financial transformation. Over 90 days, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your company’s financial health and operational performance—pinpointing inefficiencies, uncovering hidden opportunities, and delivering a clear action plan for sustainable improvement.
What’s Included:
• End-to-end review of your financial processes, reporting, and controls
• Margin, cash flow, and working capital analysis
• Identification of cost-saving and profit-boosting opportunities
• Streamlined forecasting and budgeting tools
• Hands-on implementation support and accountability check-ins
Deliverable: A tailored Financial Transformation Roadmap with prioritized initiatives, quick wins, and long-term strategies designed to improve clarity, efficiency, and profitability.
Let us help you bring order to the chaos and turn insight into action. Reach out to us for more information!