Parul Agrawal
Qualification
CA
Professional experience prior to joining Aria
Before joining Aria, I worked with mid-sized CA firms and Ernst & Young, gaining experience in taxation, audit, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. My work included tax advisory (including cross-border transactions), GST and income tax compliance, statutory audits, scrutiny assessments, and Companies Act compliance. This experience built a strong technical foundation in governance, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks.
Areas of Expertise
My key strengths lie in leading and strengthening finance functions across organizations, with expertise in Income Tax, GST, and FCRA compliance, donor and regulatory reporting, and financial planning, budgeting, and analysis. I have led due diligence engagements and internal audits, helping organizations enhance governance and mitigate risks. My work focuses on systems strengthening and process design to build sustainable finance structures. As a team lead, I prioritize stakeholder coordination, capacity building, and driving accountability to ensure long-term organizational impact.
What are your primary focus areas or responsibilities at Aria?
At Aria, I have lead finance and compliance support for 75+ non-profits, providing CFO advisory, due diligence (pre- and post-grant), and regulatory guidance (Income Tax, GST, FCRA). My work focuses on strengthening financial systems, enhancing governance frameworks, supporting donor reporting, and enabling organizations to build sustainable and compliant finance functions.
What part of your work do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy strengthening systems and building resilient finance functions. Through due diligence, process design, and capacity building, I enjoy helping teams move from complexity to clarity. I am particularly passionate about sharing knowledge and bridging the gap between corporate expectations and nonprofit realities, enabling stronger governance, confident compliance, and long-term impact.
What draws you to the social / development sector?
Being a UPSC aspirant, I was actively seeking meaningful avenues to contribute to society. That journey shaped my perspective on governance, accountability, and the structural challenges within development.
While my career evolved into finance and compliance, the intent remained the same — to contribute to nation-building in a tangible way. The social sector allows me to combine technical financial expertise with social impact, strengthening organizations that are working on the ground. For me, building robust financial systems is not just a professional responsibility; it is a way of enabling transparency, trust, and sustainable impact.
One thing you enjoy outside of work
I enjoy photography and spending time in nature. Whether it’s quiet walks, observing the outdoors, or simply being in open spaces, nature helps me slow down, reflect, and recharge. It brings balance to my structured professional life and keeps me grounded and mindful.
