At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse public spending to ensure value for money and improve government services.
- Company: Join the National Audit Office, a leader in public accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong focus on personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and influence key government decisions.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in relevant fields or experience in research and analysis.
Location: London or Newcastle
Competitive Salary: £45,316 per annum if based in London, or £38,403 per annum if based in Newcastle.
Contract type: Permanent
We welcome applications from candidates who work part-time and are keen to support colleagues to work flexibly including on a job share basis.
Join Us as a Value for Money Analyst
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.
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
The main responsibilities include:
- 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, for example through engaging with analysts in government and with wider external stakeholders.
- 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, including gathering evidence and supporting knowledge sharing across teams.
- 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. This may include but is not limited to experience in management or other consultancy roles, internal audit, or working as a researcher.
Selection Process
- Application: Candidates are required to submit their CV, written case study exercise, complete two online tests and answer four selection questions (4SQs) 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.
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.
Value for Money Analyst employer: National Audit Office
The National Audit Office (NAO) is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on public services. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, the NAO fosters a culture of learning and flexibility, making it an ideal place for aspiring analysts in London or Newcastle to grow their careers while contributing to vital government accountability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Value for Money Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the NAO and its work! Dive into their reports and understand their mission. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former analysts on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the case study exercise! Brush up on your analytical skills and practice presenting your findings clearly. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to ace the process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Value for Money Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Value for Money Analyst role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your analytical abilities and any experience in public policy.
Nail the Case Study:The case study exercise is crucial! Take your time to understand the requirements and showcase your analytical skills. Use clear evidence to support your conclusions and make sure your findings are easy to digest.
Be Clear and Concise:When answering the selection questions, keep your responses clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure that even non-technical readers can understand your points. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Audit Office
✨Know Your Value for Money
Before the interview, brush up on what 'Value for Money' means in the context of public services. Familiarise yourself with recent reports from the National Audit Office and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to improving efficiency and effectiveness in government spending.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to gather, analyse, and interpret data. Think about specific instances where you've used qualitative and quantitative methods to draw conclusions. This will demonstrate your analytical prowess, which is crucial for a Value for Money Analyst.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since you'll need to present complex findings clearly, practice explaining your past projects or analyses in simple terms. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring they are concise and easy to understand for non-technical audiences.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
Show genuine interest in the work of the NAO and public policy. Prepare thoughtful questions about their projects and the impact of their audits. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
