National Audit Office

Shape the Future of Public Services with the National Audit Office (NAO)

 

Did you know the current Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG), who leads the NAO, was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen?  This role reflects the unique and influential position we hold at the heart of public accountability.

At the NAO, our mission is to improve public services and ensure accountability for public money.  We support Parliament in holding government to account, and our work leads to real-world change that benefits society.  If you want your career to have purpose and impact, the NAO is the place for you.

What Makes Us Different?

• Purpose-Driven Work:  Our audits are investigative and analytical, helping to shape national policy and improve lives across the UK.
• Meaningful Impact:  Every project you work on contributes to better government and stronger public services.
• Diverse and Inclusive Culture:  We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. You’ll see people like you at the NAO, and we offer mentoring, reasonable adjustments and a supportive onboarding process.
• Career Development:  We offer a fully funded ACA qualification, hands-on experience and clear progression routes. You’ll develop technical expertise, leadership, client engagement and project management skills.
• Transparency and Support:  We’re open about salary, benefits and expectations. Starting salaries are competitive, with annual increases and special rises as you pass each exam stage.  Once qualified, your salary will exceed £53,000 in Newcastle and £61,000 in London.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a friendly, flexible culture with opportunities in both our London and Newcastle offices.

What Will You Do?

You’ll start as a valued team member, supporting core financial audits and gradually taking on more complex projects.  Our work is varied, challenging, and never “just clerical”- you’ll be solving problems, making evidence-based decisions and helping to ensure government accountability.

Hear from Our People

We believe in storytelling and transparency.  Explore testimonials from our diverse staff to see what a career at the NAO is really like.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Click this link to find out how you can ‘Change Your World’ and be part of something bigger at the National Audit Office (NAO). 

Meet our Apprentices

Sumayah | Audit Apprentice "I was always set on the apprenticeship route but knew specifically I wanted to work somewhere in the public sector. When I discovered the NAO, I thought it was too good to be true but I took a chance to apply during my last year of 6th form and don’t regret a thing. I’ve met a bunch of amazing people so far who are really supportive and are open to my never-ending questions and I really appreciate the environment they’ve built to promote growth and inquisitiveness in trainees!”

Poppy | Audit Apprentice, London “I joined the NAO as an apprentice a year ago, which feels like both a blink and a lifetime!  It's a testament to how welcoming, comfortable, and valued I feel here.  My colleagues, especially in the education department, have been incredibly supportive in helping me settle in.  They understand the demands of the ACA exams and offer fantastic support.  As an apprentice at the NAO, I'm challenged, given real responsibility and held accountable for my work, which is a fantastic way to learn and grow.”

Jayden | Audit Associate, Newcastle “I joined as an apprentice straight after my A-Levels – I was initially drawn to the NAO by the brilliant level of support and study leave offered to trainees to give them the best opportunity to succeed. Since joining, I have worked with amazing people to help ensure taxpayer money is being well spent, and I am well on my way to becoming a chartered accountant!”