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Szymon Iskierka recognised as future leader in field of accountancy
A recent graduate of Abertay University has been named among Scotland’s most promising young accountants after receiving a prestigious national award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).
Szymon Iskierka, who recently completed his BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance degree at Abertay, has been awarded the 2025 Charles Scott Prize – an accolade presented annually to one standout student from each Scottish university offering accountancy programmes.
The prize recognises exceptional academic achievement and potential, with recipients selected by university departments in partnership with ICAS. Winners also receive a £150 cash award and gain access to professional development opportunities through ICAS’ global network.
Gail Boag, ICAS Executive Director of Learning, said:
The Charles Scott Prize is one of the ways ICAS celebrates academic excellence and recognises the future leaders of our profession. We’re proud to honour these outstanding students from across Scotland and to support their journey into the world of accountancy. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, talent and the success of our university partnerships.
In his second year, Szymon was awarded the Alexander DJ Kydd Prize for top academic performance. He also participated in the Saltire Scholarship programme, securing a three-month internship in Calgary, Canada. During his time at Precision Drilling, he led a major debt consolidation project and gained practical experience in corporate finance.
Szymon said:
Having the opportunity to spend three months in Canada was incredible. I had to learn various accounting systems and how to track invoices, among other things. It was a lot of accounting basics, but in a real-world setting. I honestly wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it weren’t for the Saltire Scholarship programme.
Szymon will begin his graduate role at EY in Aberdeen this September, working in the firm’s tax division as he begins his journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant through ICAS.
