Company: The National Audit Office (NAO)

Location: Newcastle

Role: Access Accountancy Work Experience Placement

Start Date: 28th October – 1st November

Salary: Competitive

You must be a current Year 13 student as of September 2024 to be eligible to apply.  

Who is NAO? 

The National Audit Office (NAO) is an independent public body that helps Parliament hold government to account for how taxpayers’ money is spent. They provide assurance to Parliament through their audit work and add value to government by supporting its drive to improve public services. In a nutshell, their vision is to “help the nation spend wisely.”

Their work is impactful and influential. They make a real difference by working closely with government bodies to understand the challenges they face, helping them make improvements in important public services. The scope of their work and influence is vast – supporting Parliament to hold government to account and improve the full spectrum of public services. They enable and support crucial economic and social changes needed to improve financial management and the way vital public services are delivered to millions of people every day. Their work is wide-ranging – from health and education to transport and defence.   

NAO is based in London and Newcastle and they have a great reputation among their clients (including Parliament, other international audit institutions) as well as across the wider accountancy profession for professionalism, rigour and judgement. In addition to Accountants, they employ Analysts, Statisticians, Economists and specialists in a variety of other disciplines to foster a fantastic learning environment.   

So join NAO on this exciting placement opportunity and be part of the bigger picture at the NAO.  

What is the Access Accountancy Scheme? 

Their one-week placement will take place during the half-term week, so from 28th October – 1st November 2024 in Newcastle.  Hours of work will be 9am – 5pm at their Newcastle offices. Please only apply if you can be physically present in their Newcastle Office.  

Successful candidates will gain experience of work in a highly respected, professional organisation.  Moreover, you will gain an understanding of the skills and capability needed to become a Chartered Accountant and what a career in the accountancy profession can offer. You will particularly gain an insight into their work in both Financial Audit and Value for Money. As a result of attending this scheme, NAO hope you will be incentivised to apply for their apprenticeship or graduate trainee schemes, or similar programmes at other organisations. 

What will the scheme entail?
 

This scheme will include a range of career-enhancing opportunities, including:
•    Time with audit teams as they plan work programmes 
•    An induction into the world of audit work within a professional environment
•    Opportunity to sit an assessment centre for their Apprenticeship programme to start in September 2025
•    Opportunities to meet their current trainees 

Who can apply? 

NAO are looking for motivated candidates, from a diverse range of backgrounds, who have an interest in our work and their own development. 

Students wishing to apply must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Be starting Year 13 in September 2024
• Have achieved at least C/4 grade at GCSE Maths and English 
• Be on track to achieving 120 UCAS points 
• Be available 28th Oct – 1st November 2024 in Newcastle 
• Attends state school/college and be from a less-advantaged socio-economic background as measured by the parental occupation measure. Details of which will be provided upon application. 
• You will need to be a UK, Commonwealth, EEA or Swiss national to comply with Civil Service nationality rules. 
• 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 NAO are not able to sponsor work visas. 
• Please get in touch if you have any questions about our nationality requirements. 

To apply 

It only takes 30 seconds to register your interest and Sanctuary Graduates are here to support you through your application journey!