TU
Graduate Audit Associate (ACA Training Scheme) September 2027 - London
- Salary
- £35.8K
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
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Build a career with purpose. Become a Chartered Accountant while helping improve public services.
Location and Salary
London: £35,787 per annum, rising to over £62,000 after qualification
Newcastle: £28,912 per annum, rising to over £54,000 after qualification
Start Date: Monday 6 September 2027
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
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
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.
You'll Be a Great Fit If You
We're committed to supporting your development, wellbeing and future career.
Our Benefits Include
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.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from graduates from all degree disciplines.
Educational Requirements
We recruit on a rolling basis and may close applications early once all vacancies have been filled. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Early Start Opportunities
A limited number of early start opportunities may be available in March 2027, ahead of the main September 2027 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 2027 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.
Location and Salary
London: £35,787 per annum, rising to over £62,000 after qualification
Newcastle: £28,912 per annum, rising to over £54,000 after qualification
Start Date: Monday 6 September 2027
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from graduates from all degree disciplines.
Educational Requirements
- 120 UCAS points from your top three A-levels (excluding General Studies)
- Applications may be considered with 104 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
- 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
We recruit on a rolling basis and may close applications early once all vacancies have been filled. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Early Start Opportunities
A limited number of early start opportunities may be available in March 2027, ahead of the main September 2027 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 2027 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.