Executive Assistant

Job Title: Executive Assistant

Location: Newcastle

Salary: c.£29,000k, more may be available for exceptional candidates

Type: Fixed Term until end of March 2026

The National Audit Office (NAO) is the UK’s main public sector audit body. Independent of government, we have responsibility for auditing the accounts of various public sector bodies, examining the propriety of government spending, assessing risks to financial control and accountability, and reviewing the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of programmes, projects, and activities. We report directly to Parliament, through the Committee of Public Accounts of the House of Commons which uses our reports as the basis of its own investigations. We employ some 900 staff, most of whom are qualified accountants, trainees, or technicians. They work in one of two main areas, financial audit, or value for money (VFM) audit.

The NAO welcomes applications from everyone. We value diversity in all its forms and the difference it makes to our organisation. By removing barriers and creating an inclusive culture all our people have the opportunity to develop and maximise their full potential. As members of the Business Disability Forum and the Disability Confident Scheme we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. The NAO supports flexible working and is happy to discuss this with you at application stage.

The Executive Assistant will provide comprehensive support to Executive Directors, Directors, and teams/areas within NAO. The role of an Executive Assistant requires a combination of skills, as well as having the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Due to the nature of this role, candidates will be expected to work from the Newcastle office a minimum of two days per week. There may also be occasions where an additional day in the office is required to support specific business needs.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS:

UK nationals & nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK.

Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

Please note, we are not able to sponsor work visas. Please contact us at hrservicedesk@nao.org.uk should you have any questions on your nationality eligibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Diary management: internal, engagement with external stakeholders
2. Inbox management: including prioritisation and action where appropriate
3. Co-ordinate/manage meetings: agendas, distribute papers, minute taking/actions management, briefing production
4. Supporting internal/external events
5. Offering support to wider team(s)
6. Arrange local and overseas travel/itineraries (where appropriate)
7. Corporate Management: business continuity, locker/distribution lists etc are kept updated
8. Team/group collaboration/communications: keeping updated on Merlin announcements, blogs, forums, training/mandatory, code of conduct
9. Stakeholder contact details are kept updated
10. Greeting guests/registering at reception/organising hospitality
11. Arranging team events and social activities
12. Data Management: budget monitoring, milestone management, allocations and corporate compliance
13. Project Management: project secretariat
14. Sharepoint management
15. Correspondence/FOI handling: including drafting responses and tracking deadlines
16. Impact coordination
17. Quality assurance, including proof reading (version control)
18. News monitoring (client/study specific)
19. Undertaking audit cold review checks
20. Presentation writing & formatting
21. Administrative financial audit support
22. Document management via Huddle (FA/VFM)
23. Supporting networks
24. Mentoring/coaching
25. Supporting trainee groups
26. Assisting with interviews for new EA recruits
27. (Newcastle only) Office Management, supporting Danielle Hays: Exchequer, Digital and reception management, HR function

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Flexible and able to be a ‘team player’
• Microsoft Packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Database management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Written and Verbal communication