Some people see numbers—Nike Ricks sees possibility. As a Manager in LSL’s Consulting and Advisory CAAS department, she specializes in guiding public agencies through operational challenges, financial overhauls, and system upgrades—with a focus on strategic improvement.

With nearly 20 years of public sector leadership, Nike has served in key roles such as City Treasurer, Assistant Finance Director, Budget Director, and Finance Manager across municipalities in California, Arizona, and Utah. She has led full-scale ERP implementations, revamped payroll systems, strengthened internal controls, restructured fund accounting, and modernized treasury operations—all while building trust and collaboration across departments and with governing bodies.

Nike’s focus areas include budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, system design, grant administration, policy development, and long-term planning for enterprise operations like utilities and energy authorities. Whether supporting a city through a complex transition or untangling long-standing financial pain points, she brings a steady, solutions-driven approach that empowers her clients to lead with confidence.

Her journey into accounting started in a college math class—where a required managerial accounting course sparked an unexpected passion. What started as a math requirement quickly turned into a career calling. For the first time, she saw how numbers could tell a story, drive decisions, and create real-world impact—and she’s been hooked ever since.

Outside of the office, Nike’s world is full of joy, motion, and a little bit of organized chaos. She and her husband, are raising six wonderful kids and six lovable dogs, embracing life’s chaos and creating a home filled with laughter, energy, and adventure.

Professional Affiliations

Firm Member, PrimeGlobal

Education

Bachelor of Science–Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting, California State University, Stanislaus

Masters of Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance (Class Valedictorian), California State University, Stanislaus