National Audit Office

The National Audit Office has existed in its present form since 1983, when the National Audit Act established it to support the Comptroller and Auditor General. Its institutional roots stretch back to the 1866 creation of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Exchequer and Audit Department.

The NAO audits the financial accounts of government departments and other public bodies, examines whether public money has been used economically, efficiently and effectively, and publishes reports for Parliament. It also produces investigations, departmental overviews, good-practice guidance and other analysis for select committees and public-sector leaders.

Its distinctive strength is the combination of technical audit, policy analysis and parliamentary scrutiny. For a business student, the work offers exposure to complex financial statements, government operations, public policy and multidisciplinary analysis rather than commercial transactions or private-sector clients.