My name is Leo Watson I’m an assistant auditor and I’ve been working at the NAO for about one year.
What is the culture and work environment like at the NAO?
There’s a good team spirit at the NAO especially in the lead-up to post recess when the accounts get certified. As the work load increases there’s a real feeling of all for one, one for all. Social wise it’s varied, there’s everything from netball to football teams, there’s the pop quiz after post recess to celebrate and at college we’ve all become really good friends so there’s always parties a plenty to go to. And this year we’ve even organised a ski trip!
How has the NAO met my expectations career wise?
I’ve only been at the NAO a little while but already it’s met my expectations, I really wanted to travel with work and this year I’ve already been all over the UK and next year I’ve got work lined up in Rome on the World Food Programme audit so I’m really excited about that.
What would people be surprised to know about the NAO?
I think people applying to the NAO would be surprised to know that even though we certify hundreds of accounts, the time pressure is manageable and the work life balance is spot on, especially when you are trying to combine work with studies.
