Modern Apprentice - Data Analytics

Are you someone with a keen eye for detail? If so, we can offer you the chance to contribute to the development of a data-driven organisation at Audit Scotland. You will help to create a better Scotland through improving how we conduct financial, performance and Best Value audit work and our wider engagement with public services.

Overall purpose of the role

The Data Analytics apprentice will work under the guidance and leadership of an appointed mentor to provide high quality, bespoke data analysis products to support Audit Scotland’s business groups.

With support and training the Modern Apprentice (MA) will carry out development activities which include translating business requirements into data outputs such as dashboards, applications, visualisations, and models. You will work with others within the Digital Audit team and wider Innovation & Quality business group to improve the audit process with data-driven insights, process automation, productivity gains, and better understanding.

The MA will be expected to undertake and complete a ScQF Level 8, Data Analyst certificate. Audit Scotland has a commitment to MA programmes, which help us bring talented new staff in to the organisation. This apprenticeship will contribute to the development of data/computing professionals, and help bring fresh new approaches to our data challenges.

What you will be doing

On a day-to-day basis, some of the tasks you are likely to be involved in include:

• Assisting with the design and development of data products for audit teams, and assisting the wider I&Q team with administrative tasks.
• Assisting with the design, implementation, and review of data visualisations, in consultation with audit teams and specialist communications staff.
• Contributing to improvement projects such as process automation tools.
• Learning to apply data analysis techniques and languages to real-world problems
• Working with colleagues across the business, including Corporate Services and our audit teams, to understand business needs around data tools.
• Assisting with incoming queries and user support requests related to existing applications.
• Working with external colleagues, for example in other audit agencies, on shared data projects or training courses.
• Ensuring that your work is appropriately reviewed by others, and taking part in reviews of the work of others.
• Keeping your SCQS portfolio up to date with achievements and evidence, ensuring deadlines are met in achieving SCQS accreditation.
• Being part of a team that committed to excellence and dedicated to providing a world class data support service.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Digital Audit or wider DA team.

Knowledge and experience

You will:

• Be qualified by a good selection of National 4 and/or 5 passes
• Be confident and able to demonstrate good communication skills (verbally/written) and numeracy.
• Be enthusiastic about learning and being comfortable and positive about receiving advice and feedback.
• Be able to work co-operatively as part of a team as well as taking personal responsibility for carrying out objectives.
• Be able to bring a consistent approach and high levels of dedication whilst work both in the office and remotely from home.
• Be IT literate and have knowledge of typical office applications such as MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar software.
• Have some awareness of the role of computer programming in data analysis, or alternatively, some awareness of software development concepts, tools, and processes (gained from any language or context).
• Be responsible for delivering high quality and accurate work.
• Be dedicated to achieving nationally recognised SCQF Level 8 Data Analyst certificate.

Person specification - specific knowledge and experience

Essential:

• Have achieved a good selection of National 4 and/or 5 passes (S/I)
• Knowledge of typical office applications (e.g. MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar software) (S/I)
• Confident and able to demonstrate good communication skills (verbally/written) and numeracy. (S/I)

Desirable:

• Experience of working with customers in a paid or voluntary capacity (I)
• Awareness of the role of computer programming in data analysis, or alternatively, awareness of software development concepts, tools, and processes (gained from any language or context) (I)
• Have achieved passes in STEM-related subjects at National 4/5 or above

*S = Shortlisting criteria I = Interview criteria A = Assessment / Exercise

Audit Scotland

Our vision is that public money is well spent to meet the needs of Scotland's people.

To achieve this, we support the Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission to provide clear, independent and objective assurance on how effectively public money is being managed and spent. Our work covers about £57bn of public spending, almost 300 public sector accounts, and the services and projects that affect all people and communities in Scotland.

As well as what we do, how we do it is integral to delivering our vision and critical to our wellbeing and our organisational success. We put our organisational values of equality, independence, innovation, integrity and respect at the heart of everything we do.

We employ around 340 staff in a wide variety of roles, working from our main offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and through a network of regional offices across Scotland.

There has never been a more interesting or important time to join us. We offer a rewarding place to work, a supportive and open culture and a wide range of professional development opportunities. Benefits include 42 days of annual leave including public holidays, an attractive local government pension scheme with 19.4% employer contributions, personal development allowances and flexible working hours. We’ve also been named one of the top 25 workplaces in Scotland and the UK’s tenth best accountancy workplace in the 2023 Best Companies awards.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value the unique perspective a diverse workforce brings to what we do. Therefore, we’re keen to increase representation in our workforce and support progression of minority ethnic groups. We are also a proud disability confident employer.

Reasonable Adjustments

Audit Scotland’s recruitment process may include various stages and activities including application forms, online assessments, and interviews, to assess whether you meet the requirements of the role.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to providing inclusive and accessible recruitment where everyone is supported to perform at their best.

When applying for a job with Audit Scotland, you will be asked in the application form if you need an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process. Please include the reason you require an adjustment and details of what adjustment/s might help.

Some examples of adjustments that have been given to candidates include changing the time, location or format of interviews and providing additional time in any assessments and interviews. This is not an exhaustive list, and we will consider any adjustments that you might need.

As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, our equality network groups would be delighted to offer an insight into Audit Scotland’s culture of inclusivity. If you consider yourself to have a visible or hidden disability and wish to hear more about life at Audit Scotland or wish to speak with someone about the possibility of any adjustments, please contact Careers@audit-scotland.gov.uk or call 0131 625 1500 for further information and a member of the HR team will be in touch.

How we work

We employ around 340 staff in a wide variety of roles. They work flexibly at home and in the office as well as from audit sites across Scotland. This isn’t your typical work from home or work from office type job. We’re flexible about working patterns and we’ve transformed how we deliver high-quality public audit. We support you to work in the ways that achieve the best results for you, your team and the business, including your physical location and how you manage your hours. Put simply, we trust you to do your job, and want you to have the ability to have a rewarding work-life balance and best support your individual circumstances, be that childcare, adult carer responsibilities or managing disabilities.

We welcome applications from across the UK. Some travel to our offices or client sites will be necessary at times, but you don’t need to live in Scotland to work for us.

Other conditions

Audit Scotland is committed to ensuring that:

• We minimise our impact on the environment in accordance with Government policy affecting public sector organisations.
• We uphold the principles of equality, fairness & diversity.
• We all work within a safe environment and adhere to good standards of health & safety.
• All information is protected and managed appropriately.
• We maintain independence and political neutrality.