Puneet Garg : Equipping Audit & Compliance Professionals To Lead With Integrity & Impact
Puneet Garg
CEO
Today, this passionate mentor is focused on preparing future-ready audit & compliance professionals to win and excel in any industry with confidence, integrity, and impact. It's no wonder AIA, the organization Puneet founded a couple of years ago, has rapidly emerged as a trusted name in the audit and compliance training industry. AIA combines technical depth with ethical conviction.
Puneet began his career in 2010 as a Chartered Accountant. Over the years, he has honed his skills with Indian chapters of blue-chip companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and Panasonic. Puneet's transformation into a faculty was triggered by a definite aim to make the young finance professionals more skilled and confident to walk the path of a leader with integrity.
AIA's mentoring and value based career-driven way of learning is helping learners in every vertical to take their knowledge to the next level by not only obtaining international certifications, but also learning how to thrive in the dynamic governance, risk, and compliance environment. Below is an excerpt from CEO Insights' exclusive interview with Puneet.
How are you leveraging your corporate experiences to impart strategic excellence and governance expertise through coaching?
There is a clear distinction between studying risk and confronting it in practice. My corporate experience has profoundly shaped my perspective on the profession and drives my vision for shaping AIA today.
As a faculty, my responsibility is to turn every lesson I’ve learned into a culture of strategic clarity, innovation, and working excellence. Every decision, whether related to expansion,
curriculum, or partnerships, is guided by longterm value and sustain ability and the highest standards of ethics and trust.
I am working towards ensuring that AIA is future-ready by integrating technology and practical applications into every program. Drawing on industry experience, I am able to assure strong governance and contribute to best practices through collaboration, thought leadership, and talent development.
I am on a mission to establish an academy that will present professionals who are not only skilled and certified but also ethical, flexible, and ready to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing business environment.
What has been your approach to curating the courses to help prepare students in their professional journey?
When developing courses at the AIA, my goal was clear: to equip students not just for certification, but for real-world success from interviews to their first job and beyond.
Our programs focus on relevant concepts, are simplified through clear study materials and are delivered through engaging, practical sessions. Each course includes mentoring, career guidance, and interview preparation because success requires more than just content, it demands clarity, confidence, and real-world application.
Can you tell us about the crucial skills AIA helps students gain and how it helps them stay updated about emerging risks and controls?
We focus on developing both technical and soft skills essential for real-world success. While a strong foundation in standards, processes, and compliance is vital, true professional distinction lies in critical thinking, communication, and adapt ability.
Our training covers risk assessments, data analytics, and control frameworks across industries, reinforced with real-world examples.
We also emphasize continuous learning and awareness of emerging risks, such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, and fraud, preparing students to navigate a dynamic business environment with confidence and integrity.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
I am working towards ensuring that AIA is future-ready by integrating technology and practical applications into every program. Drawing on industry experience, I am able to assure strong governance and contribute to best practices through collaboration, thought leadership, and talent development.
I am on a mission to establish an academy that will present professionals who are not only skilled and certified but also ethical, flexible, and ready to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing business environment.
Never stop being curious, and never compromise your integ- rity
What has been your approach to curating the courses to help prepare students in their professional journey?
When developing courses at the AIA, my goal was clear: to equip students not just for certification, but for real-world success from interviews to their first job and beyond.
Our programs focus on relevant concepts, are simplified through clear study materials and are delivered through engaging, practical sessions. Each course includes mentoring, career guidance, and interview preparation because success requires more than just content, it demands clarity, confidence, and real-world application.
Can you tell us about the crucial skills AIA helps students gain and how it helps them stay updated about emerging risks and controls?
We focus on developing both technical and soft skills essential for real-world success. While a strong foundation in standards, processes, and compliance is vital, true professional distinction lies in critical thinking, communication, and adapt ability.
Our training covers risk assessments, data analytics, and control frameworks across industries, reinforced with real-world examples.
We also emphasize continuous learning and awareness of emerging risks, such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, and fraud, preparing students to navigate a dynamic business environment with confidence and integrity.
Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
Leadership is the chance to mentor people, inspire growth, and earn trust through fairness and integrity. I believe in openness, accessibility and continuous education. I help my team make decisions, value their ideas, and foster a positive, collaborative environment where everyone feels heard.
I believe that when people understand the "why" behind their work, they’re more engaged and motivated.
What is your roadmap going forward?
My journey with the AIA has only started, and as much as we have established a strong foundation, there is still a great deal to come by.
I am proud that AIA is already up-skilling professionals in over 30 countries, providing them with practical skills to establish enjoyable careers. My vision is to take this worldwide presence even further by providing high-quality training, mentorship, and real world insights to professionals across the globe.
We are placing digital platforms, AI-based tools, and blended learning to ensure world-class audit and compliance education is delivered to all. We are also enhancing partnerships with international corporations and professional bodies to provide hands-on experience and career opportunities.
In light of your experiences within the industry, what would be your advice to budding finance leaders?
Never stop being curious, and never compromise on integrity. In a world of constant change, continuous learning and adaptability are essential to stay relevant.
Leadership is not about titles but about earning trust through integrity, trans parency, and leading by example. Surround yourself with those who challenge you to grow, listen actively, and empower others. True leadership lies in enabling the success of your team. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, remain humble, and let your values guide every decision.
Puneet Garg, CEO, Academy of Internal Audit
An accomplished auditor with deep expertise in internal audit, fraud examination, and compliance, Puneet is a dedicated mentor who delivers impactful training and is committed to guiding professionals with purpose and integrity.
•Hobbies: Yoga, and listening to Music
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian
•Favorite Book: 2 GB ki Zindagi by Pankaj Garg
•Favorite Travel Destination: Mountains
I believe that when people understand the "why" behind their work, they’re more engaged and motivated.
What is your roadmap going forward?
My journey with the AIA has only started, and as much as we have established a strong foundation, there is still a great deal to come by.
I am proud that AIA is already up-skilling professionals in over 30 countries, providing them with practical skills to establish enjoyable careers. My vision is to take this worldwide presence even further by providing high-quality training, mentorship, and real world insights to professionals across the globe.
We are placing digital platforms, AI-based tools, and blended learning to ensure world-class audit and compliance education is delivered to all. We are also enhancing partnerships with international corporations and professional bodies to provide hands-on experience and career opportunities.
In light of your experiences within the industry, what would be your advice to budding finance leaders?
Never stop being curious, and never compromise on integrity. In a world of constant change, continuous learning and adaptability are essential to stay relevant.
Leadership is not about titles but about earning trust through integrity, trans parency, and leading by example. Surround yourself with those who challenge you to grow, listen actively, and empower others. True leadership lies in enabling the success of your team. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, remain humble, and let your values guide every decision.
Puneet Garg, CEO, Academy of Internal Audit
An accomplished auditor with deep expertise in internal audit, fraud examination, and compliance, Puneet is a dedicated mentor who delivers impactful training and is committed to guiding professionals with purpose and integrity.
•Hobbies: Yoga, and listening to Music
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian
•Favorite Book: 2 GB ki Zindagi by Pankaj Garg
•Favorite Travel Destination: Mountains