Financial planning can be a significant challenge for both businesses and individuals. However, dedicated professionals such as Steven D. Cox diligently work to help people develop robust financial strategies and achieve personal success and growth.
Cox has worked as a certified public accountant (CPA) for nearly three decades. During that time, his dedication to excellence and meticulous attention to detail has earned him a reputation as a trusted adviser in the financial community. He has also contributed to the field of accounting and automotive finance through his role as the Chief Financial Officer of Alpha Automotive LLC, based out of Columbus, Ohio. For his dedication and accomplishments, he has been honored among the Marquis Who’s Who listing of influential professionals.
A Prodigious Career in Accounting and Finance
Because Cox has always enjoyed working with numbers, he chose to study accounting as an undergraduate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, mathematics, and computer science from Muskingum University, a private university located in New Concord, Ohio, in 1980. This multidisciplinary degree prepared him to work within complex financial systems.
In 2008, Cox ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Romans 1 Financial LLC, an accounting and tax firm. In 2019, he also co-founded Alpha Automotive LLC as the chief financial officer, a role he continues to hold. There, his strategic financial decision-making has proved instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success, as he oversees the company’s financial reporting and risk management strategies.
Dedicated Accounting Services and Outreach
Cox’s responsibilities are extensive during the tax season from March to October. During this time, he works long hours in his office, providing comprehensive accounting services, including tax preparation and financial consulting for a diverse client base. His excellent work and dedication to his clients have earned him the Best of Columbus Award for 2015 through 2024.
His efforts expand into civic engagement. He is involved with Design Outreach and Help! I Need Transportation!, two organizations that provide essential services to underserved communities. In addition, he and business partner Dustin Keller have established an opportunity zone fund, which utilizes government tax incentives to invest in communities in need across the United States.
Evolutions in the Field of Accounting
Over his years in accounting, Cox has observed how the field has evolved. He appreciates the larger shift toward remote work, which has allowed him to enjoy greater flexibility in his schedule and work-life balance. He also believes that developing technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), have made a significant impact, and he has integrated them into his work.
“The decision-makers are still the decision-makers, but AI is just a wonderful tool,” Cox says.
Among new technological trends, Cox is particularly fond of the emerging cryptocurrency industry, which is growing due to the rising usage of Bitcoin.
Work Driven by Purpose
For his career achievements, Cox credits the invaluable lessons he has learned from both his experiences and failures. He believes that every setback has provided him with an opportunity to grow and improve and has contributed to his overall success. He also believes that the work ethic he learned from his upbringing has helped him persist.
“My work ethic was given to me as an example growing up, and I’ve always lived by it every day,” Cox says. “That gives me purpose.”
In the next five years, Cox would like to transition to a position that will allow him to use his skills to assist more people, particularly those who have retired, in managing their finances. Although he plans to continue working for as long as possible, he eventually plans to reduce his duties and spend more time in Florida with his wife of 40 years, Dixie, with whom he has built a family he is proud of.
As Cox continues his efforts in finance and accounting, his work provides more individuals with the financial tools and planning that allow them to thrive and succeed as he has.
