Value for Money Analyst

The UK National Audit Office (NAO) is seeking entry-level analysts to join their Value for Money (VFM) teams, which focus on examining the effectiveness and efficiency of public spending. The role involves auditing government programs and contributing to reports that influence key government decisions and improve public services.

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, 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

Skills

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

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