Value for Money Analyst in London

We welcome applications from candidates who work part-time and are keen to support colleagues to work flexibly including on a job share basis.

Are you curious, analytical, and ready to make a difference? The National Audit Office (NAO) is looking for entry-level analysts to join our Value for Money (VFM) teams. You’ll help examine how effectively and efficiently public money is spent, influencing key government decisions and improving public services.

How to Apply:

• Apply online and create a profile on our careers page.
• Complete the following by 19 June 2026:
• Submit a CV. You can use this template or you can choose the format of your CV, but it should be no longer than two pages of A4 using size 10 font and cover the points in the template.
• Complete online verbal and numeracy tests.
• Answer four competency-based questions.
• Email your case study answer based on the provided material.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and have their case studies marked as part of the final stage.
• Final decisions will be based on your combined scores in the assessment and final stages.

Further details of the selection process can be found below. We will be holding an online session to provide more details about the role on Tuesday 9th June 12:00-13:00. Our analysts will talk to you about their work and the application process and there will be time for you to ask any questions. If you would like to attend, please contact us. We will send you a link to the meeting.

About the Role:

Each year we produce around 60 major reports examining government programmes and projects. These reports are multi-method audits focusing on the cost, effectiveness and efficiency of government programmes and projects. Our work must be timely, and we work to clear timetables, typically taking between 3 and 8 months to report. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that hold government to account and drive improvements in public services. Whether it's in health, education, justice, or international development, your work will help ensure that public funds are used effectively. It’s important to note that this is not a business analyst role. Instead, you’ll be part of a dynamic team focused on delivering high-impact audits that promote accountability and enhance the delivery of public services.

As a VFM analyst, you will:

• Audit how government programmes are run and whether they deliver value for money.
• Work alongside experienced and supportive colleagues in a collaborative team environment.
• Gain exposure to senior stakeholders and real-world policy challenges.
• Build skills in research, analysis and communication that will shape your career.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary and excellent Civil Service pension scheme.
• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), rising to 40 days after five years.
• Flexible working arrangements and modern offices in London and Newcastle.
• A strong focus on learning, development, and wellbeing.

Responsibilities:

• Gathering evidence by applying a variety of methods such as interviews of government officials and other stakeholders, reviewing documents and data sources and directly collecting data such as through surveys.
• Analysing and interpreting evidence and data (using qualitative and quantitative methods) from many sources on a wide range of public policy topics and sectors.
• Maintaining an evidence trail and providing advice to your team about the quality of evidence we use to develop our findings.
• Presenting findings clearly and succinctly and contributing to planning and drafting value for money reports.
• Providing written and oral briefings to managers and senior staff.
• Gaining insight and knowledge of the bodies we audit and developing and maintaining good relations with them.
• Supporting wider assurance work and assisting teams during engagement with Parliament and Select Committees, particularly the Public Accounts Committee.
• Providing advice and support to other teams by using your subject matter or analytical expertise and engaging with opportunities to share learning across the NAO.

Key Skills:

It is essential that you can demonstrate the ability to:

• Gather, analyse and interpret evidence from a range of sources in a timely and high-standard manner.
• Produce clear, well-structured and succinct written work that is easily understood by non-technical readers.
• Draw valid and concise conclusions that are clearly evidence-based.
• Present complex and nuanced findings from your analysis in a way that can be easily understood by various audiences.
• Engage confidently and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients at all levels.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a team to deliver our reports.

Attributes:

In addition, we are looking for candidates with the following attributes:

• Intellectual curiosity: A keen interest in using a range of evidence sources to answer questions.
• Flexibility: The ability to make a significant contribution across a range of topics and outputs in various teams.
• Interest in our work: A strong enthusiasm for the work of the NAO and public policy across a range of sectors.
• Attention to detail: Careful documentation and maintenance of a reliable audit trail to support the delivery of high-quality audits.
• Drive and determination: The tenacity to overcome obstacles, resistance, or challenges to achieve goals.
• Commitment to personal development: A dedication to keeping technical skills up to date.
• Influence: An interest in influencing people and identifying opportunities to improve public services.

The people we are looking for:

Education and Work Experience:

You should have:

• A minimum of a 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline such as social science research methods, management science/operations research, economics, statistics, mathematics, data analytics, or a research-based postgraduate qualification; or
• Relevant experience in research, analysis, or performance audit.

Selection Process:

• Application: Candidates are required to submit their CV, written case study exercise, complete two online tests and answer four selection questions as part of their application.
• Screening: An initial screening will be conducted to check the eligibility of candidates based on the verbal and numeracy tests and degree/experience criteria.
• Assessment: All candidates should complete the case study exercise in the application stage to be eligible for shortlisting consideration.
• Final stage – case study marking and interview: Candidates who pass the screening and assessment stages will be invited for an interview.
• Decision: The final decision-making process will involve a moderation and review panel.

Make your impact. Apply now.

Equal opportunities and diversity:

Supporting Neurodivergent and Disabled Candidates: We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process where everyone can perform at their best. If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any adjustments you may need.

Disability and Reasonable Adjustments: Applicants with a disability who wish their application to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme should confirm this when submitting their application.

Nationality Requirement:

• 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 be aware that we do not provide sponsorship for work visas for this position. Applicants must already meet the nationality requirements outlined above.