Optima Team Spotlight: Alex Notthoff

Meet Alex Notthoff our Employee Spotlight this month! Alex is a student at California State University San Marcos, where he is pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting, with an expected graduation date in the spring of 2025. He is deeply passionate about problem-solving, analyzing, and accomplishing goals. His experience is diverse, including serving as a Youth Mentor at New Song Community Church since May 2021.  Join us as we delve into 10 insightful questions to get to know Alex better!

1. What’s your favorite way to relax after a busy day at work? 

My favorite ways to relax after work are enjoying my hobbies, like playing guitar or basketball, and of course, hanging out with my friends and family.

2. What initially drew you to Optima and the industry? 

I’ve always loved working with numbers, so the accounting or finance industry seemed like a clear choice for me. What initially drew me to Optima was a networking college class I was in at the time. My “coach” in the class encouraged me to reach out to Jennifer Barnes, our CEO, for an informational interview, and I was offered a position here soon after!

3.  What does a perfect day for you look like? 

 A perfect day for me would include playing basketball with my friends, hanging out with my sister, jamming with my musician friends, and doing something fun with the high school and middle school students that I mentor at my church.

4. What's your favorite quote?

 Psalm 23:1 – The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

5. What advice would you give to someone starting in your field?

I would say that it’s important to just absorb as much knowledge and experience as possible. I think it’s important to see what you can learn from the people you are working alongside who have more experience than you, along with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

6. What was your dream job as a child? 

I wanted to be an NBA player!

7.  If you won $1 million, what would you do with it?

I would tithe at least 10% of it, then likely use the rest to purchase a house.

8. What is one skill every person should have?

I think every person should have communication skills because they will apply to all areas of your life.

9. What makes you feel most fulfilled?

I think that my faith, helping others, and spending quality time with others make me feel the most fulfilled.

10. What do you feel is the most important trend or development in the accounting industry right now?

I think the most important trend in the accounting industry currently is the growing use of AI. Even in just the last few years, I’ve seen its use grow significantly, and I think that using AI to maximize your work will become an increasingly important skill to have.