Company Profile - National Audit Office

Overview

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The National Audit Office (NAO) is independent of government and the Civil Service. We certify the accounts of all government departments and a wide range of other public sector bodies and produce around 60 Value for Money reports a year for Parliament on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which departments and other bodies have used their resources in delivering particular projects. We also have a number of international clients including the International Labour Organization and the World Food Programme. Our work leads to savings and other efficiency gains worth many millions of pounds some £890 million in 2009-10 alone.

Who are we?

Our vision is to help the nation spend wisely and our work puts us right at the forefront of the drive to improve the delivery and cost effectiveness of public services. Our role is particularly relevant in the current fiscal climate. We apply our professional skills and unique perspective to scrutinise government spending, improve financial management, and help Parliament and government drive lasting improvement in public services.   We are a modern, independent and successful organisation with high professional standards which values ideas, pace and delivery. Our audit work is big hitting, high quality, varied and worth while. Our value for Money reports, for example, lead to positive changes in the way central government delivers public services. It’s hard to imagine a more varied, complex and high profile group of clients and this is an excellent opportunity if you want to make an impact from the very start of your career. 

Career Opportunities

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We offer our graduate trainees a competitive salary and benefits package, details of which can be found on the website. A career at the NAO also offers an impressive variety of training opportunities. For example, once qualified, graduates can apply to join our ‘Future Leaders’ talent management programme which supports their development and prepares them for career progression.

Training and Development

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Our graduate scheme is very successful and the NAO has had a number of ICAEW award winners in recent years, for exceptional performance in their examinations. Whilst the work and exams are very challenging, we also expect our trainees to have a life outside of work.  We give trainees study leave so that they can focus on getting through the exams at the key stages without juggling work commitments at the same time – and this is reflected in our pass rates which are consistently above the national average.

What we look for

We take graduates from any discipline with a 2:1 honours degree. What matters is not so much the subject graduates have studied – it is more about whether they demonstrate the analytical skills combined with the ability to work with others and to present and influence with impact and passion. We are also looking for people who are excited about our work and who have the ‘get up and go’ to achieve results in a highly professional and challenging environment. We don’t expect graduates to come with the complete package but to show the potential to perform and develop into well-rounded professionals. Before filling in an application form or coming for an interview it is always a good idea to think carefully about how you have demonstrated the required skills through your work, academic experience or hobbies. Seeking out work experience during vacations can also put you in a good position.

What we offer

London £26,824 + Benefits

Newcastle £21,341 + Benefits