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National Audit Office

Overview

The role of the National Audit Office (NAO) is to audit the financial statements of all government departments and agencies, and many other public bodies. We also report to Parliament on the value for money with which these bodies have spent public money. As well as providing accountability to Parliament, we aim to bring about real improvements in the delivery of public services.

Without realising it, you probably read about us all the time. As the author of reports on an incredible array of subjects, many of which are of vital importance to the nation, the NAO is mentioned in the media on an almost daily basis.

Who are we?

If you’re interested in a financial future, this is Britain’s biggest challenge by far. The NAO has the enormous responsibility of evaluating the government’s expenditure – making certain that public money is used to full effect. So it’s little wonder that our activities constantly make the headlines in the national press and on TV.

The Financial Times recently reported we are amongst the top 100 graduate employers. So we can make all the difference for your future, while you help us make a difference for everyone in Britain.

Career Opportunities

We are one of very few organisations outside the private sector to offer graduates Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Accountancy training. Our three-year professional training programme is built around annual block release periods, spent at college full time, on full pay, with full funding for all course fees and materials.

When you’re not studying, you will be gaining practical experience in your role as Assistant Auditor, which will enable you to develop your personal and technical skills to the full. You will also benefit from a varied programme of internal courses to supplement your on-the-job learning.

Once qualified, you’ll have the choice of staying in Financial Audit, specialising in our Value-For-Money work or combining the two. Depending on your performance, we may offer you a permanent contract as an Audit Principal. Promotion is always based on merit and may bring with it opportunities to work abroad.

Training and Development

If you want a fast-track route to ACA qualifications – the “gold standard” in accountancy – you want to be with us. We’ll give you all the support you need to pass your exams first time, every time, but you must be ready for rigorous training and some really stretching exams.

Year One 6 weeks’ study covering Financial Accounting and Audit & Assurance.

Year Two 12 weeks’ study covering Business Strategy, Financial Management, Taxation and Financial Reporting.

Year Three 7 weeks’ study leading to exams in Advanced Technical Integration and the Advanced Case Study.

To become a member of the Institute and assume the coveted title of Chartered Accountant, you must pass all your exams and complete 90 weeks’ practical work experience. We’ll ensure it happens via generous block release periods each year, spent at college full-time and on full pay. What’s more, we’ll pay all your college fees and supply you with all the materials you need.

And of course, your practical work experience will perfectly complement your studies and bring your academic learning to life, as well as contributing to your 90 week goal. In particular, you’ll have the rare opportunity to develop expertise in value for money reports, which have a strategic remit and focus on assessing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in key areas of public spending. By the end of your training, you can expect to be managing the audit of multi-million pound accounts – after which, the world is your oyster.