Audit Learning and Development Specialist

Job title: Audit Learning and Development Specialist

Location: London; Hybrid (2 days in the office)

Contract Type: Full-time; Permanent

Salary: C£48,000 plus civil service employer pension contribution of 28%. A higher base may be considered for exceptional candidates.

Close date: 16/03/2025

Job description: The National Audit Office (NAO) is an independent parliamentary body dedicated to scrutinising public spending and driving improvements in government efficiency and effectiveness. We audit government departments and public organisations, providing robust, evidence-based insights that ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money. Our work supports Parliament in holding the government to account while fostering innovation and best practice across the public sector. Through our audits and reports, we help shape services that have a real and lasting impact on citizens' lives.

About the Role: We are seeking an experienced Audit Learning and Development Specialist to join our creative and passionate Learning & Development (L&D) team. You will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and managing high-quality learning programmes for our financial audit professionals. This role is central to ensuring that our audit teams receive the best possible training to maintain technical excellence and uphold audit quality standards.

You'll be someone who is comfortable working pro-actively, managing entire learning programmes and working across multiple projects. You will work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to create learning experiences that enhance audit quality and technical expertise across all levels of the organisation. This role encompasses both L&D programme management and training design.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme management & delivery: Lead the end-to-end development of selected audit learning programmes, ensuring they are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with strategic priorities. Manage timetables, coordinate resources, manage programme execution and evaluation.
2. Learning design & development: Working closely with subject matter experts, create engaging and effective learning content for face-to-face and virtual training applying blended learning methodologies and incorporating the latest developments and best practices in learning design.
3. Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and senior stakeholders, including Audit Quality Directors and People Development Directors, to design learning solutions that address emerging technical and regulatory requirements and align training initiatives with business needs.
4. Training delivery: Support the facilitation of training sessions (both virtual and in-person), helping to bring learning to life. Present complex training material with confidence and in a clear and engaging way.
5. Evaluation & continuous improvement: Measure the effectiveness of learning programmes through data analysis, feedback collection, and quality reviews. Implement lessons learned to drive continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience Required:

1. Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) with hands-on experience in financial audit.
2. Strong technical knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and ISA standards.
3. Proven experience in learning programme development and instructional design and development, particularly in a professional services or audit environment.
4. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and gain buy-in for learning initiatives.
5. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with a focus on operational excellence and quality.

What to expect: This is an exciting opportunity to shape audit training within a unique organisation, dedicated to enhancing the quality, efficiency, and value of public services. You will work alongside a supportive and passionate L&D team and will be part of a dynamic environment where innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development are at the heart of everything we do.

Equal opportunities and diversity: Applicants with a disability who wish their application to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme should confirm this when submitting their application. We are open to considering candidates who wish to fill posts on a part-time basis or as a job share.