Andrew Olson was born and raised in Sandy, UT. He grew up with a close group of friends who attended elementary, middle, and high school together. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award at the young age of 14.
While at Hillcrest, Andrew balanced being a student-athlete. He worked hard to achieve good grades and to excel on the football team. He made the honor roll every year and participated in concurrent enrollment and AP classes to earn college credit. Andrew played Hillcrest football for over 12 years (including little league) and was a valuable member of the high school football team for 4 years. As a team captain his senior year, he helped lead the team to the 5A state playoffs, marking Hillcrest’s first appearance in the playoffs since 2004. After graduating in 2015, Andrew served a religious mission in Copenhagen, Denmark for two years. He had to learn a new language and culture, which was completely new to him. This experience was invaluable, teaching him how to serve others, love and respect different cultures, and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Upon returning home, Andrew attended Utah Valley University with an academic scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Accounting in just 3 years. He also worked full-time as an accounting intern while attending school to support his wife and gain valuable work experience. At UVU, he was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society for accounting, finance, and information systems students. After graduating in the spring of 2020, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he joined the audit practice at Deloitte, the world’s largest accounting and professional services firm. He helped lead various audit engagements, including a Fortune 500 publicly traded company and several private companies. During his first year at Deloitte, he also earned his master’s in accounting from Western Governors University and passed all four sections of the CPA exam, becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant. This is a four-part, in-depth assessment of proficiency in all requirements of accountancy. It is considered one of the most challenging professional exams, with a passing rate of 40%.
After spending multiple years at Deloitte, Andrew decided to move back home to be near his family, which he values deeply. He joined the internal audit department at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he had the opportunity to travel globally and support the organization’s needs in areas such as real estate, construction, higher education, investments, agriculture, and international operations. While there, he also obtained his Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification. Following his time in the audit department, he joined Younique Products as the Accounting Manager, leading the accounting team in monthly, quarterly, and annual financial accounting and reporting. Andrew attributes his success to his faith, dedication, and desire to make a meaningful impact. He has been happily married for over 6 years and his wife, Myranda, is also a Hillcrest graduate. They have a golden retriever who they love and are looking forward to raising a family together.
Acceptance Statement
I am so thankful and honored to accept this award. I am proud to be a forever husky and will always attribute some of my greatest memories to my time there. As someone who has always been shy and introverted, Hillcrest was instrumental in helping me come out of my shell and truly be myself. At Hillcrest, I learned how to set goals and work hard to achieve them.
I am incredibly grateful for the hardworking teachers, coaches, and staff whose dedication helped shape my path to success. One of my greatest mentors once told me to “own your career.” This advice deeply resonates with me: no matter where you are in life, whether as a student or beyond, you hold the reins to your own future. Take control of where you are and where you want to go, and never stop striving for progress.
Thank you again to the Hillcrest High Alumni Association, and go huskies!