Graduate Audit Associate (Aca Training Scheme)

National Audit Office; Greater London, Newcastle upon Tyne; Híbrido; GBP 35.000 - 62.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive starting salary

Hybrid working arrangements following/

35 days' holiday

36-hour working week

25 weeks of fully paid study leave

Civil Service Pension

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

The National Audit Office in London invites applications for a Graduate Audit Associate on the ACA Training Scheme. You’ll gain a fully funded ACA qualification while contributing to high-profile public sector work and developing professional and analytical skills.

Starting salaries vary by location, with London roles offering about £35k rising after qualification to over £62k, and Newcastle around £28k rising to over £54k.

Formación

• The NAO welcomes graduates from all degree disciplines.
• Candidates should show analytical thinking and problem solving abilities.
• Interest in data, technology and continuous learning is valued.
• Commitment to professional qualification and public service.

Responsabilidades

• As part of an audit team, study towards ACA qualification while reviewing financial information.
• Analyse data to identify patterns and risks, and support findings with evidence.
• Collaborate with colleagues and clients to understand operations and public spending.
• Develop governance, risk management and public finance understanding.

Conocimientos

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Problem solving

Curiosity

Learning new skills

AI-enabled tools

Educación

2:1 undergraduate degree (achieved or predicted)

UCAS points top three A-levels

Not currently under a training contract

Evidence of qualifications

International qualifications assessed for UK equivalency

Herramientas

AI tools

Descripción del empleo

Job description

Graduate Audit Associate (ACA Training Scheme)

Build a career with purpose. Become a Chartered Accountant while helping improve public services.

Location and Salary

London: £35, per annum, rising to over £62, after qualification

Newcastle: £28, per annum, rising to over £54, after qualification

Start Date: Monday 6 September

Make A Difference While Building A Professional Career

The National Audit Office (NAO) is the UK's independent public spending watchdog. Every year, our work helps Parliament hold government to account and improves the public services that millions of people rely on every day.

As a Graduate Audit Associate, you'll gain a fully funded ACA qualification while working on some of the most important and high-profile organisations in the public sector.

You'll develop the technical, analytical and professional skills needed to become a Chartered Accountant, while contributing to work that makes a genuine difference to society.

Whether you studied Accountancy, Economics, Psychology, History, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or any other subject, we're interested in curious, analytical people who enjoy solving problems, working with data and learning new skills.

Why Choose The NAO?

A career with the NAO offers more than a professional qualification.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Gain a fully funded ACA qualification and ICAEW membership
• Help improve public services and support parliamentary scrutiny of government spending
• Work across a wide range of organisations, sectors and national priorities
• Develop skills in audit, data analysis, communication, stakeholder management and professional judgement
• Build experience using technology, data and AI-enabled tools within a modern audit environment
• Take on responsibility early in your career
• Learn from experienced professionals who are committed to helping you succeed
• Join a supportive and collaborative community of trainees and colleagues
• Develop skills that are highly valued across the public and private sectors

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

As part of an audit team, you'll work on some of the UK's most significant public sector organisations while studying towards your ACA qualification.

You will:

• Review financial information, systems and supporting evidence
• Analyse data to identify patterns, risks and areas for further investigation
• Work closely with colleagues and clients to understand how organisations operate and spend public money
• Use technology and data-driven approaches to support audit work
• Document findings and contribute to evidence-based conclusions
• Develop an understanding of governance, accountability, risk management and public finance
• Balance practical work experience with professional study and examinations
• Take on increasing responsibility as your skills and confidence grow

You'll begin by supporting financial audits before progressing to larger and more complex pieces of work.

As you develop, you'll also have opportunities to contribute to investigations, support Parliament and work on high-impact value-for-money studies that examine how effectively public money is being spent.

The Future Of Audit

Audit and accountancy are changing. Data, technology and artificial intelligence are transforming how organisations operate and how assurance is delivered. Modern auditors combine technical knowledge with curiosity, critical thinking, analytical skills and professional judgement.

On our scheme, you'll learn how technology can support analysis and decision-making, while developing the judgement, integrity and communication skills that remain essential to the profession.

You do not need previous audit or accountancy experience. We are looking for potential, curiosity and a willingness to learn. We'll support you every step of the way.

Skills required

You'll be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy analysing information and solving problems
• Are curious about how organisations use data, technology and AI
• Can think critically and make balanced judgements
• Communicate clearly with different audiences
• Work well with others and build positive relationships
• Take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work
• Can organise your work, manage competing priorities and remain focused in a fast-paced environment
• Are adaptable and open to learning new ways of working
• Have an interest in public services, business and government
• Are motivated to learn, develop and respond positively when faced with new challenges

Benefits

We're committed to supporting your development, wellbeing and future career. Our benefits include:

• Competitive starting salary
• Annual pay progression and additional increases linked to exam success
• 35 days' holiday, including public holidays
• 36-hour working week
• 25 weeks of fully paid study leave throughout the programme
• Civil Service Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• Hybrid working arrangements following induction
• Structured professional development and training throughout the scheme
• Access to a broad range of career opportunities after qualification

Working Arrangements

You will be based in either London or Newcastle.

During your first three months, you'll complete a structured induction programme which includes office-based and college-based learning.

Following induction, you'll work in a hybrid way, combining office-based work, client site visits and remote working.

Whether you're based in London or Newcastle, you'll contribute to nationally significant work and collaborate with colleagues across the UK.

Educational requirements

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from graduates from all degree disciplines.

Educational Requirements

• UCAS points from your top three A-levels (excluding General Studies)
• Applications may be considered with UCAS points through our contextual recruitment process
• A 2:1 undergraduate degree (achieved or predicted) in any subject
• Not currently under a training contract or part-qualified with another accountancy firm
• Evidence of qualifications will be required
• International qualifications will be assessed for UK equivalency

Eligibility Requirements

• UK nationals, Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights, or EU/EEA/Swiss nationals eligible under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme
• We are unable to provide sponsorship

Early Start Opportunities

A limited number of early start opportunities may be available in March , ahead of the main September intake, for candidates who have already completed their degree. Where early start opportunities are available, eligible candidates may be invited to be considered during the later stages of the recruitment process.

Early start opportunities are limited and will be offered at the NAO's discretion, subject to business requirements and operational need. Not all eligible candidates will be offered an early start opportunity. Consideration for an early start opportunity is separate from and does not affect a candidate's progression through the recruitment process or eligibility for the September intake.

Join us and build a career that combines professional qualification, public impact and the opportunity to help improve outcomes for citizens across the UK.

For more information about the scheme and the National Audit Office, please visit our website or contact the .