An Aberdeen college graduate who came to Scotland ‘in search of a better future’ has been awarded a top prize sponsored by a city accountancy firm.

Former NESCOL (North East Scotland College) student Kate Wolska (pictured above), 38, who returned to education after 20 years, won the accolade after being selected by her tutors.

The award is sponsored by MHA, the firm she has now launched her new career with as an Audit and Accounts Junior, based in the city’s Carden Place.

Previously Meston Reid & Co before becoming part of MHA in October 2023, the firm, the 13th largest accountancy in the UK has a long track record of supporting the next generation of accountants having accepted placement students from RGU’s Accountancy and Finance degree in all but two of the past 27 years.

Kate moved to Aberdeen from Gdansk in Poland 16 years ago. After a varied career including working as an optical assistant and in administration in care homes, Kate recently graduated from NESCOL with a Higher National Diploma in Accounting.

She is mum to nine-year-old daughter, Nicola, and enjoys camping in the Scottish countryside with family and friends. She also volunteers for Olio, collecting food and sharing it with those who need it, fighting waste and supporting the planet.

She was thrilled to win the MHA Excellence in Accounting Award.

Kate said: “I’m so delighted to win this award. I was surprised, I couldn’t believe the award was for me. My hard work paid off and proved you can make a change now for tomorrow.

I came from Poland in search of a better future. It wasn’t easy at first but I’m happy where I am now and doing what I want to do.

I’m genuinely excited to begin my career with MHA and look forward to progressing further within the company, contributing to the team, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.”

Louise Smith, Audit and Accounts Manager, said: “Kate’s journey began on the SVQ level 5/6 Business, Administration and Management course before proceeding to the HND Accounting course. This not only shows her drive and determination, but also what it is possible for others to achieve.

The award wasn’t based purely on academic results with overall attitude, attendance, etc., all taken into consideration. When we offered Kate a position, we had no idea that she had been, or would be, nominated for the award so it was a lovely surprise when I was told the recipient’s name.”

She added: “Kate hasn’t followed the traditional route into accounting of school followed by college / university, but I believe that makes her even more determined to succeed. I hope we will be able to provide Kate with a challenging and rewarding work experience and look forward to seeing her career continue to grow.”

The MHA Aberdeen office has trained more than 50 placement students and graduates since it began its training programme back in 1995. Five new 2024 students started at the firm’s Aberdeen office in September, with another eight joining in Edinburgh.