Early-Career Candidate · Accounting & Finance · Class of 2028
Charles Cox
BS Accounting · Culverhouse College of Business · 120-Hour CPA Track
4
Internships
2028
Graduation
7+
Tech & AI Tools
120
CPA-Track Hours
Profile
In His Own Words
Accounting and AI tools don't often appear in the same sentence at the junior level. But that's the combination I am intentionally building. I am a junior at the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Business on the 120-Hour CPA track, and I've spent the past two years gaining real-world experience across data analysis, startup operations, and professional brand consulting, all while carrying a full academic course load.
My internship portfolio is broad by design. At Experlogix, I built geographic heat maps and validated sales data in Excel, developing a data-first mindset early. At Coyne Business Solutions, where I currently serve as a Business Operations Intern, that foundation expanded into competitive market research, AI-powered workflow design, and daily applied use of Claude Code, ChatGPT, Codex, and Perplexity. I currently serve as a Campus Ambassador for My Stand-In, where I am growing the program from the University of Alabama to the University of Illinois, work I take on alongside a full class schedule, the Artificial Intelligence in Business Club, the Fleet Feet Run Club, my fraternity, and hands-on credentials like the KPMG Career Catalyst simulation.
I am targeting a summer 2027 accounting or FP&A internship, specifically roles where analytical rigor and modern tool fluency are both valued. The CPA path is my long-term plan. Getting there through organizations that take data seriously is my near-term priority.
Why Charles
What Charles's Built Already
01.
Campus Expansion — My Stand-In Ambassador Program
Charles recruited and mentored campus ambassadors, then successfully expanded the My Stand-In program from the University of Alabama to the University of Illinois through targeted outreach and relationship-building. Business development work at this scale is rare for a college student carrying concurrent internships.
02.
Data Analysis Internship — Experlogix
Validated and organized customer and sales data in Excel, built geographic heat maps to support sales planning, and researched executive decision-makers on LinkedIn. This was hands-on data work — not shadowing — at a real software company, completed before the start of junior year.
03.
Startup Operations & AI Integration — Coyne Business Solutions
Working at an early-stage startup means owning real tasks: competitive pricing research, client intake workflow design in Tally, and daily AI tool use for content, research, and operational efficiency. Charles is building the applied AI fluency that most accounting students won't have until several years into their careers.
04.
Dean's List — Fall 2024
Earned Dean's List recognition at Culverhouse while simultaneously managing internship responsibilities. The academic standing signals that the multiple concurrent roles aren't coming at the expense of classroom performance.
Core Competencies
Financial Accounting
Completed Financial and Managerial Accounting at Culverhouse; Intermediate Accounting and Corporate Finance in progress Fall 2026.
Data Analysis
Built geographic heat maps and validated sales data at Experlogix using Excel; comfortable working with structured data sets and reporting.
AI & Modern Tools
Daily applied use of Claude Code, ChatGPT, Codex, and Perplexity in a live business environment — not a classroom setting.
Business Operations
Designed client intake workflows in Tally and conducted competitive market research and pricing analysis at Coyne Business Solutions.
Communication & Outreach
Facilitated orientation for incoming Culverhouse students; recruits and mentors ambassadors across multiple universities.
Concurrent Execution
Managed multiple active internship roles simultaneously while carrying a full academic load — a consistent pattern, not an exception.
Career
Where Charles's Been
Business Operations Intern
May 2026 — Present
Coyne Business Solutions · Early-Stage Startup
Supporting business operations, competitive research, and AI-driven workflow development at a growing startup, with daily applied use of AI tools in a live business environment.
- Conducts competitive market research and pricing analysis to support strategic decisions
- Builds digital client intake workflows using Tally to improve onboarding efficiency
- Evaluates emerging AI technologies to identify productivity and operational improvements
- Daily use of Claude Code, ChatGPT, Codex, and Perplexity for content, research, and operations
- Reviews website content for quality, consistency, and accuracy prior to publication
Peer Advisor
May 2026 — Aug 2026
University of Alabama · Crimson Edge Orientation Program
Guided incoming Culverhouse College of Business students and families through the university's orientation program in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Answered student and family questions, easing the transition to college for hundreds of incoming Culverhouse students
- Created communication materials using Canva; coordinated event logistics with university staff
- Represented the University of Alabama with professionalism while managing multiple concurrent responsibilities
Inclusion Companion
Jun 2025 — Aug 2025
North Suburban Special Recreation Association · Glenview, IL
Provided individualized support for participants in a professional, adaptive environment requiring confidentiality and consistent attention to detail.
- Maintained professionalism and confidentiality while adapting to changing situations in real time
- Collaborated with families and staff to create a positive, supportive environment for participants
Data Analyst Intern
Jun 2024 — Aug 2024
Experlogix · Software Company
Hands-on data validation and analysis role — reviewing, organizing, and visualizing customer and sales data to improve reporting quality and support sales planning.
- Reviewed, validated, and organized customer and sales data in Excel to improve data accuracy and completeness
- Built geographic heat maps to visualize customer distribution and support sales planning
- Researched executive decision-makers on LinkedIn and company websites to support business development
- Identified inconsistent data and contributed to improvements in reporting quality
Leadership & Extracurriculars
Beyond the Classroom
Campus Ambassador
May 2026 — Present
My Stand-In · Career Technology Startup
Represents My Stand-In at the University of Alabama, building the company's campus presence and student pipeline for an early-stage career tech company.
- Recruited and mentored campus ambassadors; successfully expanded the program to the University of Illinois through targeted outreach
- Educates students on professional branding, networking strategies, and career readiness through one-on-one conversations and campus events
- Gathers student feedback to help refine platform features, messaging, and user experience
- Contributes to business development, relationship building, and campus expansion for a growing startup
Risk Management Crew
Fall 2024 — Present
Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity · University of Alabama
Active member and risk management crew participant at a national fraternity chapter — managing organizational responsibilities alongside a full academic and internship workload.
- Risk management planning and oversight for chapter events and activities
- Demonstrates the ability to sustain organizational commitments in parallel with internship and academic demands
Volunteer Tutor
Ongoing
Al's Pals · Academic Support Program
Provides academic tutoring and mentorship to students as part of a structured volunteer program — the same communication and relationship-building skills that carry into professional settings.
- One-on-one academic support requiring patience, adaptability, and clear communication across varied skill levels
- Volunteer commitment sustained alongside academic and internship responsibilities
Volunteer
Ongoing
Habitat for Humanity · Community Service
Contributes to community-focused volunteer work through Habitat for Humanity, demonstrating a consistent pattern of engagement beyond academic and professional obligations.
- Team-based physical and logistical project work in community settings
Member
Ongoing
Artificial Intelligence in Business Club · University of Alabama
Member of a student organization focused on the strategic application of AI and automation in accounting and business operations.
- Analyzes emerging AI and automation technologies to evaluate their strategic integration into digital auditing, risk assurance, and corporate accounting workflows
- Collaborates with peers on data-driven case studies, leveraging predictive analytics and automation concepts to optimize financial reporting accuracy and business operations
Member
Ongoing
University of Alabama Fleet Feet Run Club
Member of a campus running club focused on consistent training and community fitness.
- Participates in weekly community group runs, maintaining a consistent training schedule to build personal endurance and achieve fitness milestones
Member
August 2026 — Present
Alpha Phi Omega (National Service Fraternity) · University of Alabama
Contributes to the establishment of the university's founding chapter by dedicating hours to intentional campus and community service, fostering a culture of leadership and civic responsibility.
Education
Academic Background
Bachelor of Science in Accounting — Minor: Finance
2024 — May 2028
University of Alabama · Culverhouse College of Business
Pursuing a BS in Accounting with a Finance minor at one of the Southeast's leading business programs, on the 120-Hour CPA track. Dean's List recognition in Fall 2024 while simultaneously managing multiple internship commitments.
- Dean's List — Fall 2024
- Relevant coursework: Intermediate Accounting I (AC 310), Cost Analysis for Planning & Control (AC 361)
- Fall 2026: Intermediate Accounting, Corporate Finance
- Finance minor adds financial modeling and investment analysis perspective alongside the accounting core
Professional Development
CPA Licensure Path
Culverhouse College of Business
120-Hour CPA Track — In Progress
Charles is on the 120-Hour CPA Track at Culverhouse — the structured academic path required for CPA exam eligibility in most states. This is a deliberate long-term commitment, not an incidental course load. The plan is to sit for the CPA exam within a year of graduation, with the internship pipeline building the practical foundation to complement the academic credential.
KPMG U.S. · September 2026
Career Catalyst: Audit
Completed a self-paced virtual job simulation replicating the daily responsibilities of a KPMG U.S. Audit professional. Analyzed simulated client business processes and technological tools used in audit planning and risk assessment. Developed foundational skills in external audit workflows and professional client communication.