Job description
Job Title: Executive Assistant
Location: Newcastle
Newcastle: Salary: c.£29,k, more may be available for exceptional candidates
Type: Permanent
The National Audit Office (NAO) is the UK’s main public sector audit body. Independent of government, we have responsibility for auditing the accounts of various public sector bodies, examining the propriety of government spending, assessing risks to financial control and accountability, and reviewing the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of programmes, projects, and activities. We report directly to Parliament, through the Committee of Public Accounts of the House of Commons which uses our reports as the basis of its own investigations. We employ some staff, most of whom are qualified accountants, trainees, or technicians. They work in one of two main areas, financial audit, or value for money (VFM) audit.
The NAO welcomes applications from everyone. We value diversity in all its forms and the difference it makes to our organisation. By removing barriers and creating an inclusive culture all our people have the opportunity to develop and maximise their full potential. As members of the Business Disability Forum and the Disability Confident Scheme we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. The NAO supports flexible working and is happy to discuss this with you at application stage.
The Executive Assistant will provide comprehensive support to Executive Directors, Directors, and teams/areas within NAO. The role of an Executive Assistant requires a combination of skills (listed below), as well as having the ability to manage multiple task and priorities.
How to Apply:
To apply please submit your CV and Covering letter(no more than 2 sides of an A4 page) outlining how you meet the following criteria:
-Organisation & Prioritisation- Demonstrates the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently by setting clear priorities, maintaining structured workflows, and meeting deadlines consistently.
-Communication & Collaboration-Communicates clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats, while fostering positive working relationships and contributing effectively as part of a team.
-Technical Proficiency- Demonstrates the use of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and manages databases to support administrative and operational tasks.
-Accuracy & Problem Solving-Demonstrates high attention to detail and applies logical thinking to identify issues, analyse information, and implement effective solutions.
-Adaptability & Responsiveness-Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changing demands and team needs, adjusting priorities and approach to ensure continued productivity and support.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Due to the nature of this role, candidates will be expected to work from the Newcastle office a minimum of two days per week. There may also be occasions where an additional day in the office is required to support specific business needs.
Nationality Requirements:
UK nationals & nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Please note, we are not able to sponsor work visas. Please contact us at should you have any questions on your nationality eligibility.
Equal opportunities and diversity
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. Under this scheme we guarantee an interview to an applicant with a disability who meets the minimum requirements for the role. You should also let our HR team know if you wish us to consider any Reasonable Adjustments at any stage of the process (HR Service Desk ().
Applicants will not be discriminated against on the grounds of any protected characteristic.
Responsibilities RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Assistant tasks:
• Diary management: internal, engagement with external stakeholders
• Inbox management: including prioritisation and action where appropriate
• Co-ordinate/manage meetings: agendas, distribute papers, minute taking/actions management, briefing production
• Supporting internal/external events
• Offering support to wider team(s)
• Arrange local and overseas travel/itineraries (where appropriate)
• Corporate Management: business continuity, locker/distribution lists etc are kept updated
• Team/group collaboration/communications: keeping updated on Merlin announcements, blogs, forums, training/mandatory, code of conduct
• Stakeholder contact details are kept updated
• Greeting guests/registering at reception/organising hospitality
• Arranging team events and social activities
Project/ team management support tasks:
• Data Management: budget monitoring, milestone management, allocations and corporate compliance
• Project Management: project secretariat
• Sharepoint management
• Correspondence/FOI handling: including drafting responses and tracking deadlines
• Impact coordination
Audit/Analytic Support:
• Quality assurance, including proof reading (version control)
• News monitoring (client/study specific)
• Undertaking audit cold review checks
• Presentation writing & formatting
• Administrative financial audit support
• Document management via Huddle (FA/VFM)
Wider Office Support:
•Supporting internal networks within the office
•Assisting trainee groups and welcoming new starters
•Aiding the Office Manager in maintaining day-to-day operations
•Providing reception cover and assisting with IT equipment provision
Skills required SKILLS REQUIRED
• Organisational and prioritisation skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management
• Flexible and able to be a ‘team player’
• Microsoft Packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Database management
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Written and Verbal communication
Educational requirements