How I Turned Unemployment into Opportunity: A Guide for Young Accountants

On December 31, 2019, I made one of the toughest decisions of my life: I resigned from my position as Finance Manager. It was a personal decision, not motivated by another job offer or opportunity. For months, I was unemployed, facing the uncertainty that so many young professionals experience. It was a difficult time filled with unanswered job applications and unfulfilled interviews.

I applied to over 30 audit firms, but none called back. Despite my qualifications and experience, the job market seemed closed to me. After months of rejection, I reached a breaking point. I locked myself in a room for three days to reflect deeply on my situation. With no parents or siblings to support me financially, I knew I had to take control of my future.

The Turning Point: Auditing Myself

During those three days, I asked myself one crucial question: "What can I do, even if no one gives me a job?"

This moment of introspection led me to conduct a personal audit of my skills, education, and experience. Two key strengths stood out: 1?? I was a Chartered Accountant. 2?? I had advanced Excel skills.

These realizations became the foundation for a new journey—one where I could create opportunities instead of waiting for them.

Building from Scratch

With these two strengths in mind, I took my first steps:

• Starting Excel Training: I used my savings to buy a laptop and began offering Excel training. My first class had just seven students, but it was enough to reinvest in my business. With the income, I purchased a projector and expanded my training sessions.
• Helping SMEs: I noticed a gap in the market—many small businesses needed help with preparing financial statements, filing tax returns, and resolving issues with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). I offered my services, leveraging my expertise as a Chartered Accountant to support SMEs.

Throughout this journey, I was always online, learning new skills through tutorials and online courses. Whether it was advanced Excel techniques, tax management, or communication strategies, I committed myself to continuous learning. Every day, I sought to grow and improve.

From Small Steps to Significant Growth

What started as small, individual efforts gradually grew into larger achievements. Today, I am proud to share the following milestones in my journey:

• Entrepreneurship: I am the founder of Noohra Business Consult and Noohra Business Technologies (a technology company) which is the stack behind NBC Institute. I am also in the process of launching a microcredit business to support small businesses further.
• Professional Growth: I currently work formally with Intravenous Infusion Plc, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, as the Credit Control Manager.
• Leadership and Influence: I’ve been invited by district societies, companies, and ministries to train staff in Excel and Data Analytics. I also serve on boards and audit committees and services as a Secretary of the Koforidua District Society.

Lessons Learned

This journey has been far from easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. Along the way, I’ve learned several important lessons that I hope will inspire other young accountants facing similar challenges:

1. Audit Yourself: Take time to reflect on your skills, strengths, and opportunities. Understand what you can offer, even in the absence of traditional employment.
2. Start Small: Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Begin with what you have and build from there.
3. Keep Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and so should you. Stay online, take courses, watch tutorials, and grow your skill set.
4. Be Resilient: Rejections and setbacks don’t define your journey. What matters is your determination to adapt and keep moving forward.
5. Create Opportunities: Don’t rely solely on the job market. Identify gaps where your skills can add value and step into those spaces.

A Message to Young Accountants

If you’re a young accountant navigating unemployment or career uncertainty, know that you’re not alone. The road may seem daunting, but every challenge presents an opportunity to grow, adapt, and create something meaningful.

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m sharing it not to boast, but to inspire and encourage others. If I could turn challenges into opportunities, so can you.

Let’s keep learning, supporting one another, and striving for excellence in everything we do.

?? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? Let’s share our stories and inspire one another!

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