The partners. The signature. The same person.
A boutique practice means the partner you meet is the partner who does the work. Here is who you'll be working with.
Managing PartnerDonna Liu
CPA, CA, LPA · Managing Partner
Donna is the Managing Partner and Founder of Pillar CPAs LLP, bringing over 25 years of audit and leadership experience to the firm. She is a graduate of McMaster University and earned her Master's degree from the Rotman School of Management, building a strong foundation in accounting, assurance, and client service.
Donna began her career at Ernst & Young LLP in Toronto, where she managed complex audits for large publicly traded corporations in the banking and insurance sectors. She later held senior financial management roles with publicly traded corporations and not-for-profit organizations in Canada and the United States.
Over the course of her career, Donna has developed focused expertise in auditing condominium corporations and not-for-profit organizations. She has built and led professional practices serving condominium boards, property managers, and community-based organizations, with a focus on practical and responsive service.
At Pillar CPAs LLP, Donna leads the firm with a client-focused approach, providing clear and reliable audit services throughout Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and surrounding Ontario communities, grounded in the firm's values of integrity, stability, and accountability.
PartnerIldiko B. Jurina Cleary
CPA, CA, LPA · Partner
Ildiko is a Partner at Pillar CPAs LLP, bringing over 25 years of assurance, tax, and advisory experience across public practice, industry, and not-for-profit organizations. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Wilfrid Laurier University, she built a strong foundation in accounting, assurance, tax, and client service through her public accounting experience with PwC London.
Over the course of her career, Ildiko has held senior finance, assurance, and management roles across a range of sectors, including construction, real estate, manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations. Her experience spans both public accounting and industry environments, allowing her to provide clients with practical operational insight alongside technical expertise.
Ildiko works with clients on compilation and assurance engagements, financial reporting, and tax compliance matters. A recipient of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Volunteer Service Award, she has also spent many years actively involved with not-for-profit organizations, including serving as Treasurer for both a rowing club and an arts foundation.
PartnerMichelle Taschereau-Thorpe
CPA, CA · Partner
Michelle is a Partner at Pillar CPAs LLP, bringing over 10 years of assurance, accounting, and advisory experience to the firm. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Ontario Tech University, which provided a strong foundation in accounting, financial reporting, and client service.
Michelle's path into public accounting began on the industry side of accounting, where she worked at a law firm in downtown Toronto before pursuing university studies and transitioning into public practice. She later gained broad experience at firms in both Ajax and Toronto, working across audit, review, tax, and financial reporting engagements in a wide range of industries.
Over the course of her career, Michelle has developed specialized experience in the condominium sector. She works closely with condominium boards and property managers throughout Toronto, the GTA, and surrounding Ontario communities on assurance and financial reporting engagements. Known for her responsive and practical communication style, Michelle is committed to building trusted, long-term client relationships and helping clients feel confident in their financial reporting.
The team behind the work.
Experienced professionals who bring depth, diligence, and care to every engagement.
Jennifer Ruz
CPA, CA · Senior Manager
Jennifer is a Senior Manager at Pillar CPAs LLP with more than 25 years of experience in audit, financial leadership, and organizational governance. She is recognized for her ability to communicate complex financial and accounting matters clearly to boards and senior stakeholders, supporting strong corporate governance and informed decision-making.
Throughout her career, she has held executive leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance and Administration for a public college, as well as positions in public accounting and financial controllership. Her expertise spans internal controls, risk management, regulatory compliance, board reporting, and financial oversight.
At Pillar CPAs LLP, Jennifer oversees tailored audit engagements for condominium corporations and not-for-profit organizations across Toronto and the GTA. Outside of the office, she enjoys knitting, solving logic puzzles, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family. Her combination of professional experience and genuine interest in helping others allows her to bring both expertise and a personal touch to every engagement.
Hemali Vakil
CPA, CA · Senior Audit Associate
Hemali is a Senior Audit Associate at Pillar CPAs LLP. With over 15 years of experience in corporate finance for publicly listed and large private organizations, she brings a strong understanding of complex accounting standards and financial reporting.
She joined the team in 2025 and focuses on audit engagements for condominium corporations and not-for-profit organizations across the GTA.
Outside of work, Hemali is a proud mom of two energetic boys. She enjoys reading, baking, and is passionate about supporting women in business and increasing financial awareness within her local community.
Rosa Teal
CPA, CGA · Senior Audit Associate
Rosa brings valuable experience in financial reporting and assurance to Pillar CPAs LLP. As a Senior Audit Associate, she plays a key role in delivering high-quality, detail-oriented audit services to our condominium and not-for-profit clients throughout the Toronto region. Her analytical approach helps clients navigate their financial reporting with confidence.
Valerie Antonova
Audit Associate
Valerie has extensive experience in accounting, financial reporting, and audit services. Prior to joining Pillar CPAs LLP, she spent seven years working closely with condominium boards, property managers, and auditors across Ontario on financial reporting, budgeting, year-end preparation, and audit support.
Earlier in her career, Valerie gained valuable audit experience at PwC in Toronto. She brings an analytical mindset and a solutions-focused approach to her work, helping clients in the GTA navigate complex financial matters with clarity and efficiency.
Outside of work, Valerie enjoys travelling, reading, practicing yoga, biking, and spending time with her family.
Serena Kaur
M.Com · Audit Associate
Serena brings over seven years of experience in Canadian finance and accounting to her role. She holds a Master of Commerce degree and is currently pursuing her CPA designation.
Before joining Pillar CPAs LLP, Serena supported multiple clients with full-cycle accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial statement preparation. She is well-organized, detail-oriented, and enjoys leveraging new accounting technologies to support her work.
Outside of work, Serena enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with her favourite movies and TV series.
Sean Rayment
Junior Accountant
Sean is a dedicated Junior Accountant at Pillar CPAs LLP, supporting the audit and assurance team. He assists with financial analysis and engagement preparation for our diverse portfolio of Toronto-based condominium and not-for-profit clients, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at every step of the process.
Keeping the practice running smoothly.
The people behind the systems, client communications, and day-to-day operations.
Jennifer Elkins
CPA, CA · Practice Development Specialist
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and began her career in Assurance and Advisory Services at Ernst & Young LLP in Toronto, focusing on audits in the financial services and insurance industries, with specialized experience in asset management.
Jennifer then managed both the corporate and fund accounting departments as a Controller for a leading asset management firm in Toronto. At Pillar CPAs LLP, she is a Practice Development Specialist, helping develop and improve the firm's internal systems, documentation tools, and workflow processes. Her work supports consistency, efficiency, and quality across the firm's client engagements.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and dog, exploring Toronto's food scene, and tackling escape room challenges with friends.
Maila Jorge
Administrative and Engagement Coordinator
Maila holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and brings over 25 years of administrative experience working with large academic and institutional organizations.
As an Administrative and Engagement Coordinator at Pillar CPAs LLP, Maila focuses on client relationship management and supports the smooth delivery of our condominium audit services. She helps ensure clear and timely communication between our audit teams and clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. She is committed to providing professional service through respect, integrity, collaboration, and understanding.
Away from the office, Maila enjoys exploring new cities, trying new cuisines, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Csilla Papp
Financial Administrator
Csilla is a Financial Administrator with extensive experience supporting audit processes, financial documentation, and accounting administration. At Pillar CPAs LLP, she helps keep client engagements organized and on track through workflow coordination, client communications, and administrative support.
Csilla holds a Master's degree and brings a strong academic research background to her role. This experience has strengthened her analytical, organizational, and communication skills, which she leverages to support our clients and the firm.
Csilla values collaboration, professionalism, and strong working relationships. Her background includes administrative, editorial, and coordination roles across North America and Europe, giving her a well-rounded perspective and a thoughtful approach to client support.
Professional services should be collaborative, transparent, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. The strongest engagements are built on trust, communication, and long-term relationships.Michelle Taschereau-Thorpe, CPA, CA · Partner, Pillar CPAs LLP
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