Graduate Audit Associate; ACA Training Scheme

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

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

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.

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

• 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.

• 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 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.

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.

• Enjoy analysing information…