Value for Money Analyst

We welcome applications from candidates who work part-time and are keen to support colleagues to work flexibly including on a job share basis. Start Your Career Where It Counts – 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. How to Apply 1. Apply online and create a profile on our careers page. 2. Complete the following by 19 June 2026: Submit a CV. You can use this template https://bit.ly/4wS9uAV 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 following material via the button below. Case study briefing: https://bit.ly/4wMlnIR Case study supporting data: https://bit.ly/4dFHyYk 3. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and have their case studies marked as part of the final stage. 4. 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 via Analyst.Recruitment@nao.org.uk . We will send you a link to the meeting. About the Role Each year we produce around 60 major reports (https://www.nao.org.uk/report_types/value-for-money/) 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. You can find out more about us and our work from our website: https://www.nao.org.uk/ 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. Our People Deal Discover more about our commitment to creating an engaging and supportive work environment https://bit.ly/44cXn5g 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-t