NAO Accountancy Training Scheme

How to Apply

Find out more about the application and selection process

Online Application

Submit the online application.  Provided you meet the minimum requirements you will be invited to complete the online numerical reasoning test (NRT).

Numerical Reasoning Test (NRT)

You do not need to be a mathematician to succeed in this stage.  The purpose of the numerical reasoning test is to understand how you work with data and make decisions using the kind of numerical information you might encounter in your role here.

We strongly recommend completing at least one practice test beforehand.  This will help you get familiar with the types of questions, how long they will take you to answer and the format.  It’s a great way to prepare. feel more confident and perform at your best.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during this stage, please contact HRServiceDesk@nao.org.uk BEFORE you complete the test so we can discuss how best to assist you.

Competency Questions

Once you’ve successfully completed the online numerical reasoning test, you’ll be invited to answer four competency-based questions.  These are designed to assess you against some of our eight core competencies (linked here), and we’ll be looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you’ve applied these behaviours in real-life situations.  Your examples can come from a variety of experiences such as:

  • School or university
  • Work experience e.g. part-time jobs
  • Extra-curricular activities or volunteering

Tips

  • Each question has a 250 word limit giving you space to provide detailed responses. Very short responses may not provide enough evidence of the behaviours we are looking for – so aim to write a reasonable amount within the required word limit.
  • While you may use AI tools to polish the flow of your writing or check grammar and spelling, the competency questions must be answered by you personally. Your responses should reflect your own experiences, insights and motivations. The NAO is looking to understand you…not what AI generates. So make sure your examples and reasoning are authentic and genuinely yours.
  • Every application at the competency stage is read and reviewed by a human, not by machines or AI. We want to hear your story, in your own words.
  • All four questions carry equal marks. We are impressed by candidates who show genuine enthusiasm for the work of the NAO and who can clearly articulate how they see themselves contribute to our work. We encourage you to research, research and research!

Telephone Interview

If you successfully complete the competency questions and are shortlisted for telephone interview, you will be sent an email inviting you to schedule a date/time with our team for a 45-60 minute telephone interview.  

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the telephone interview, please contact HRServiceDesk@nao.org.uk so we can discuss how best to support you.  Please contact the team before you book a date/time so we can allow enough time to arrange what you need.

Tips

  • Choose a time that works for you:  Interview slots are released regularly on the portal.  If none are available or showing when you log on, check back another time.
  • Prepare:  Treat the telephone interview with the same level of preparation as a face-to-face interview.
  • Be yourself:  Speak clearly and confidently.  Try to relax and let your personality come through.
  • Reflect on your experiences: Before your telephone interview, take time to think about the examples you have shared in your application and how they relate to the NAO competencies. While it is helpful to prepare, please avoid scripting your responses. Over-rehearsed answers can sound unnatural. Aim for a conversational tone that clearly conveys your experience and enthusiasm.
  • Focus on communication:  Without visual cues like eye contact or body language, your listening and verbal communication skills are especially important.
  • Understand the format:  The interview will include a mix of competency-based and scenario-based questions.  We’re looking for clear evidence of the NAO competencies.  The format may feel structured due to time constraints, but this helps us gather the information we need.
  • It sounds obvious, but…make sure your application form includes your contact number with dialling code.  Without this, the interviewer won’t be able to reach you!
  • Let us know if you need to reschedule or cancel: If you need to cancel or rearrange your telephone interview, please email us at HRServiceDesk@nao.org.uk at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. This allows us to either offer the slot to another candidate or release the interviewer’s time.

Assessment Centre

Once you’ve successfully completed the earlier stages of the application process – including the online form and numerical reasoning test—and met our initial criteria, you’ll enter the shortlisting stage.  During this phase, we’ll review your application and performance across all completed stages.  Please note that shortlisting is an ongoing process, so there is no fixed timeframe for this stage.

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to attend one of our final assessment centres.  These are held at our NAO Headquarters in London Victoria, and at our regional office in Newcastle.  We may also run some assessment centres virtually.

What to expect

The assessment centre is a full-day experience designed to evaluate your broader business and functional capabilities.  It includes a fictional business scenario and is structured around our competency framework.

You’ll also have the chance to meet some of our recent graduate and apprentice hires, giving you an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the training scheme and life at the NAO.

The purpose of the assessment centre is to create an environment where you and other candidates can demonstrate the key skills and behaviours we’re looking for.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during this stage, please contact HRServiceDesk@nao.org.uk so we can discuss how best to support you.

Post-Assessment Centre & Conditional Offers

Following your attendance at the assessment centre, we will notify you shortly afterwards to let you know whether you have been successful.

If you are successful, you will receive a conditional offer to join the NAO.  All offers are subject to a number of pre-employment checks, which include:

  • Security vetting
  • Verification of academic qualifications listed in your application (you will be required to produce hard copy certificates)
  • Confirmation of your right to work in the UK
  • Any other relevant checks required for your role

Feedback

Regardless of the outcome, all candidates who attend the assessment centre will receive feedback on their performance.