Access Accountancy – Work Experience Opportunity Work Experience

Dates: October half-term (Monday 26th October– Friday 30th October)

Salary: £25,089 pro rata at our Newcastle office.

What is the National Audit Office?

The National Audit Office (NAO) serves as the UK’s independent guardian of public spending. We empower Parliament to hold government to account and drive improvements in public services through rigorous, high-quality audits.

Our work sharpens Parliamentary oversight, delivers tangible financial benefits, and contributes to better outcomes for people across the country. Alongside our support for the Public Accounts Committee, we also work with other select committees, ensuring all parts of government face meaningful scrutiny and accountability

Looking ahead, our five-year strategy for 2025 to 2030 is designed to help boost the productivity and resilience of public services, and to strengthen financial management and reporting within government. By working closely with Parliament and our partners, we strive to enhance trust and deliver the best value for public money.

What is the Access Accountancy Scheme?

This Access Accountancy scheme offers early career insight into the work of the National Audit Office (NAO), with a special focus on both Financial Audit and Value for Money. This initiative is designed to give participants a real taste of the profession, helping them understand how rigorous audit and evaluation underpin public service and value for taxpayers.

When Does the Scheme Take Place?

Our one-week placement is scheduled to coincide with the half-term week, running from Monday 26th – Friday 30th October 2026. The hours of work are from 9am to 5pm each day, and the placement will be hosted at our Newcastle office. As this is an in-person experience, applicants must be able to attend physically at our Newcastle location.

What Will You Gain?

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to experience working within a highly respected organisation. The scheme provides valuable exposure to the broad range of skills and attributes essential for success in a professional environment, such as effective communication, teamwork, adaptability, and organisational awareness.

Our aim is that, through this placement, you will be inspired to pursue further opportunities – whether through our apprenticeship or graduate trainee schemes, or similar programmes elsewhere. By opening the door to our organisation, we hope to help you take confident steps toward a rewarding and successful future.

What Will the Scheme Entail?

Our placement scheme is designed to offer a suite of enriching, career-enhancing experiences tailored to provide you with a genuine insight into the world of audit and public sector accountability. Throughout your time with us, you will participate in a variety of activities, including:

• Spending time with our audit and/or value for money teams as they plan and execute real work programmes
• Shadowing senior leaders to observe high-level responsibilities and decision-making processes
• Meeting our current trainees to gain valuable insights into their experiences and career journeys at the NAO.

Please note, the structure and content of the scheme may be subject to minor amendments, ensuring the programme remains relevant and impactful for all participants.

Eligibility Criteria

We are committed to welcoming motivated individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, valuing your interest both in our work and in your personal development. To ensure you make the most of this opportunity, please take note of the following eligibility requirements for our placement programme:

• You should be in Year 13 for the academic year 2026-2027.
• Applicants must have achieved at least a grade C/4 in both GCSE Mathematics and English.
• You must be able to attend for the full placement week, from Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October.
• Candidates should come from a lower socio-economic background. Eligibility will be assessed using the occupation of the main income earner in your household when you were aged 14, in line with the National Audit Office’s criteria.

How to Apply: Our Application Process 

If you’d like to apply, our recruitment process has three key stages. 

1. Easy Apply – Please submit your CV along with your contact details and eligibility information.
2. Telephone Call with the Early Talent Academy team – this not an interview! Just a chance for us to have a conversation around what made you apply and what makes you a great fit! 
3. Application Form – Following your call with the Early Talent Academy team, you may be asked to complete a short application form.