About the National Audit Office

The National Audit Office’s (NAO) position is unique, and our work is extraordinarily influential. Totally and distinctively independent of government, we scrutinise public spending for Parliament and investigate major government projects and programmes. This means we work for, and for the good of, all citizens in our country. We help our economy and society work better – supporting and enabling improvements in financial management and the way public services are delivered right across the public sector to millions of people
every day.

For you, this means work that has a real purpose, and offers challenge and variety. You’ll contribute to audits and projects that scrutinise government’s use of resources and help drive improvement in our clients’ businesses. Our work informs debates and influences some of the biggest decisions that government makes. You’ll collaborate and work in teams with dedicated and talented people to deliver high-quality work that makes a difference.

By joining the National Audit Office and achieving a prestigious qualification as a chartered accountant, you’ll build a rewarding and fascinating career. You’ll make an impact that you and the nation will benefit from.

Our trainees

We welcome graduates from ANY degree discipline (not just maths!) to join our highly successful professional training scheme. Covering three years (up to five years for School Leaver Apprentices), it will take you right through to qualification as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). You’ll benefit from 25 weeks of study leave across the programme, giving you the quality time and space to focus on your studies and achieve success. By the time you qualify, you’ll have outstanding professional experience behind you and a world of career possibilities ahead.

Alongside your qualification you’ll work with clients from across government. You’ll start out working as a team member supporting our core financial audits, building up over time to work on bigger audits and more complex work, taking more of a lead role as you develop your skills and confidence. While working mainly on financial audits you’ll also have the opportunity to be involved in a range of our other work at the National Audit Office – including support for Parliament, investigations and our larger value-for-money studies of major government projects and programmes, which result in high-profile reports to Parliament that often make the headlines.