Featured Accountant | Month End Tanner Cox, CPA

Month End

When Every Bean Counts

Tanner Cox, CPA

2019 September


Month End Coffee (ME): Tell us a little about yourself

Tanner Cox (TC): My name is Tanner Cox, CPA and I’m an Assurance Senior at Ernst & Young out of their Chicago office. I’m also a competitive obstacle course racer.

ME: What made you go into accounting?

TC: I’ve always had a passion for business and numbers. Figured there was no better way to learn how businesses operate than to pursue accounting; the language of business.

ME: What are some of your greatest challenges and accomplishments?

TC: One of my greatest professional challenges was studying for CPA exams while working in public accounting. Required so much self discipline, time management and hard work. On that note my greatest professional challenges have been getting a Master’s degree in Accounting and earning my CPA license.

One of my greatest personal challenges had been competing in some of the nation’s toughest obstacle course races. One in particular the North American Obstacle Course Race Championships that I’ve competed in the last two years with the mountainous terrain, distance of the race and the toughest and most technical obstacles in sport around the world. On average, 50-60% of the sport’s top athletes aren’t able to successfully complete the course. On that same note, my greatest personal accomplishments for have been qualifying for and successfully completing the last two years of racing and finishing in the top 30 in my Age division across the North America.

ME: What are your hobbies or current side projects that you have going on?

TC: A lot of my life is about living a healthy lifestyle and be the best version of myself I can. The last two years I have competed competitively in obstacle course races all across the country. So a lot of my time outside of work is dedicated to my nutrition and training in the gym, out on a trail or American Ninja Warrior training facility.

ME: What is the best way for people to connect with you?

TC: The best way people can connect with me is via my Instagram at @accountantfitness where I share my story and journey. Love connecting with other fellow accountants who are looking to live that healthier lifestyle or pursue a passion outside the world of accounting.