Raj “Pi” Pillai is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and financial expert, decorated United States Navy veteran, and community leader who will be a fiscal watchdog for Will County taxpayers.

 

Pillai's parents moved to America to give their children a better life, and his family had to work for everything they had, and at times, they had very little. Growing up making the most of every dollar, Pillai has positioned himself to be fully prepared to effectively grow and conservatively spend Will County’s hard-earned tax dollars.

 

Pillai did just that within the Will County Veterans’ Assistance Commission (VAC). Until he was sworn in as President of the commission in 2022, the agency was considered one of the worst VACs in the state. As a veteran and CPA, Pillai couldn’t sit by and watch the mismanagement so he stepped up, transforming Will County’s VAC to one of the best-performing groups in the state by expanding services without increasing costs to taxpayers. 

 

Pillai has built a distinguished career outside of politics, dedicating over 20 years to enhancing the fiscal stability of families, organizations, and major corporations through expertise in auditing, accounting, and financial solutions. Starting as an audit manager for leading global companies, he later managed accounting and financial reporting for two firms valued at a combined $1.8 billion. After a decade of excelling in financial services, he became Senior Director of Business Development for a consulting solutions company in 2014 where he earned the President’s Club Award for top performance, and later became the Senior Director of Client Services at Harmer Financial Solutions in 2019. Pillai is recognized as a leader in the financial industry.

 

Pillai always had the entrepreneurial drive and the desire to do more. To further help individuals and local businesses with specific accounting and tax services, Pillai founded CYNOVA CPAs & Advisors in Plainfield. Since opening, Pillai has helped many Will County families and business set up their finances for better futures.

 

Before Pillai entered the financial industry, he served our country in the United States Navy for nearly 10 years. After just 3 years, he achieved the rank of non-commissioned officer based on combined achievements. Pillai was deployed multiple times around the world and ended his service as a decorated senior leader, earning multiple medals and commendations. The one medal he is most proud of is the Navy Achievement Medal he earned for successfully stepping into a leadership role at least three ranks above his own as a junior sailor when his direct supervisor suddenly ended his term. 

 

To combine his passion for service and finances, Pillai is always looking for ways to get involved to help his community. He founded Will4Vets, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veteran organizations through funding, resources, and community engagement. He also launched AIM4WILL, a community initiative focused on accountability, involvement, and modernization in Will County government and to help give residents more of a voice in local issues.

 

Pillai is deeply connected to the Plainfield and Shorewood business communities as a member of both Chambers of Commerce. He is an active member of Plainfield Masterminds, a local small business networking group, the Plainfield Lions Club, and the Plainfield American Legion. 

 

Pillai used the Military GI Bill to obtain his accounting degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 2005. He went on to earn his CPA license in both the State of New York and Illinois. He and his wife, Davina, a neo-natal ICU nurse, live in Plainfield with their 3 children. When not at one of his children’s events or sports games, he can be found enjoying movies, learning about emerging technology, or trying new restaurants in the Will County area.