WPFN Member Spotlight: Saranya Sundaramani

This month we're highlighting WPFN Member Saranya Sundaramani, CGFO, finance manager, Benbrook Water Authority, Benbrook, Texas.

How has someone in the public finance community helped you rise in your career—and how do you pay that forward?
One of the most meaningful influences in my career was my early experience at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments, where I worked with my first mentor, Suzanne Bode, accounting manager, who played an important role in shaping my early career in public finance. As an intern, I was given the opportunity to work on complex projects involving federal grant compliance and single audit requirements. This type of work is not typically entrusted to someone at that level. Suzanne placed her trust in me early on, which helped build my confidence and encouraged me to take ownership of my work.

What stood out most was her approach to mentorship. No matter how busy she was, she always took the time to answer questions and explain concepts thoroughly. She treated every question as important and valued people over time-pressures. That level of respect left a lasting impression on me. It created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and motivated to grow. Within a few years, that foundation helped me progress into leadership roles, and it shaped how I approached my own career in public finance.

Today, I strive to pay that forward by leading in the same way. As a finance manager, I prioritize creating a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable asking questions and developing their skills. I focus not only on completing tasks but also on helping others understand the reason behind the work. Through training, developing procedures, and mentoring staff, I aim to build confidence in others and support their professional growth, just as my mentor did for me. This approach continues to guide how I support my team and help develop the next generation of public finance professionals.

What’s one way you build or contribute to community—at work or outside of it?
I contribute to my community in several ways, both professionally and personally. At work, I prioritize training and mentoring my team, whether it involves guiding staff on P-card and accounting processes, strengthening internal controls, or developing financial procedures. I take pride in helping colleagues understand complex concepts and grow professionally while creating a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Outside of work, I give back through volunteer service. As a volunteer reviewer for GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting program, I evaluate governmental financial reports to support transparency and high-quality reporting while also learning from peers in the profession. I also volunteer as a leadership coach for the Braven Leadership & Career Accelerator Program, mentoring college students as they prepare to enter their first professional roles. As a parent, I understand how important guidance and encouragement can be during the early stages of a career, and I find it rewarding to help students build confidence and navigate the transition into the workforce.

For me, giving back to the community brings a sense of fulfillment. It allows me to contribute beyond my own role, support others in their growth, and share knowledge in a way that strengthens both the profession and the broader community.

What activity, hobby, or interest helps you recharge and show up strong for others?
Spending time with my family is one of the most important ways I recharge. We enjoy playing games together such as badminton, ping pong, pool, and card games, and we often relax by watching movies as a family. These moments allow me to step away from the demands of work and focus on connection, laughter, and quality time.

I also enjoy taking walks and practicing yoga as part of my spiritual and wellness routine. These activities help me clear my mind, stay grounded, and maintain balance in a busy professional life. Taking time to recharge allows me to return to work with renewed focus and energy, helping me be more present and supportive for my team and the people I work with.