The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, viz. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act No. XXXVIII of 1949) for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in the country. The Institute, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The ICAI is the second largest professional body of Chartered Accountants in the world, with a strong tradition of service to the Indian economy in public interest.
ICAI has achieved recognition as a premier accounting body not only in the country but also globally, for maintaining highest standards in technical, ethical areas and for sustaining stringent examination and education standards.
ICAI Washington DC Chapter
The ICAI Washington DC Chapter was established in 2020 and is a part of the global chapter networks of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The Washington DC Chapter has created a world class platform for pioneers in the global accountancy profession. The goal of this chapter is to have an impact in the accountancy field and continuously strive to improve the financial decisions taken in the real world.
Members of this chapter will have an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, accelerate their professional and personal growth and promote high quality financial standards. The chapter provides an excellent source for our members to share professional updates regarding accountancy, taxation, auditing & assurance etc. The Chapter works tirelessly to provide networking opportunities for our members and advance their professional growth.
The Washington DC Chapter aims to play a pivotal role in the India - US relation and build a network through dialogue, events, seminars, and newsletters. The chapter is an advocate of the interest of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and works in alignment of its mission and vision.
The Chapter works closely with ICAI and collaborates with other chapters in US and around the world to leverage CA (chartered accountant) expertise in contributing towards global development.
As a leading presence in our field, the chapter will work to promote corporate social responsibility and create sustainable strategies.
Pratyusha Meda is a Chartered Accountant and CPA (license pending) with over a decade of experience in internal audit, SOX/ICFR compliance, and financial reporting. She has led risk and control initiatives in India and brings a global perspective through her continued professional development in the U.S., including volunteer experience in tax advisory. Her background spans both entrepreneurial ventures and corporate roles, offering a well-rounded understanding of business, governance, and compliance. Pratyusha has served on the ICAI Washington DC Chapter Committee for the past four years. Outside of work, she is a three-time national table tennis qualifier and has won over 15 state titles, reflecting her dedication, focus, and competitive spirit.
Vijay Bhalaki manages a global advisory firm specializing in sustainability, public policy international development finance, ESG strategies, and data-driven impact. With over 15 years of experience, Vijay has led strategic projects across Asia, Africa, and North America, partnering with organizations including the World Bank, the US State Department, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and numerous governments to drive impactful and sustainable development solutions. He possesses expertise in Public-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Financing.
Vijay also serves as adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where he teaches courses on Development Finance, Infrastructure Investment, and Emerging Markets. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School and is deeply involved in mentoring and supporting emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.
Charu Walia is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in auditing, taxation, accounting, and financial consulting. Charu is skilled in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and strategic problem-solving abilities.
Currently based in Maryland, she is pursuing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to expand her global expertise and further align with international accounting standards. Her career reflects a strong foundation in statutory audits and tax advisory, combined with leadership experience in professional practice. As a dedicated member of the Indian accounting diaspora, Charu brings both technical depth and a global mindset to her work with the ICAI Washington DC Chapter Committee.
Akhil Bhargava is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience across financial analysis, interest rate risk management, and strategic investment modeling. He currently serves as a Quant Manager at Capital One in McLean, VA, where he specializes in Asset-Liability Management (ALM), balance sheet modeling, and overseeing large-scale financial systems.
Akhil is a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and a CFA Charterholder. He is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science from Georgia Tech and working toward his FRM certification, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous learning and innovation at the intersection of finance and technology.
Passionate about community and professional development, Akhil is honored to serve on the Management Committee of the ICAI DC Chapter and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.
Aditya Nukala is a Chartered Accountant from the 2012 batch, with over 12 years of experience in Audit and Assurance. He began his professional journey with PwC and has since worked with leading global firms including EY, Deloitte, and BDO, gaining deep expertise across multiple sectors and international markets.
In 2019, Aditya moved to the United States and earned a Master’s degree in Economics from George Mason University. He currently works remotely with a Los Angeles-based CPA firm, where he continues to build on his strong foundation in audit and assurance services.
As one of the founding members of the ICAI DC Chapter, Aditya is committed to supporting the growth of the community. He looks forward to contributing actively to the management committee and strengthening professional connections through collaboration and networking.