Auditor

What does an Auditor do? – Tasks and work environment

An Auditor works to examine, evaluate, and quality assure businesses, processes, or organizations from a legal, financial, or quality perspective. Tasks include planning and conducting audits, analyzing routines and processes, and reporting deviations or areas for improvement to management and stakeholders. Auditors can work within both the public sector and private companies and often work on a project basis, sometimes involving travel and on-site inspections. The work environment is varied but mainly involves office work and meetings, often in teams, where accuracy and integrity are key qualities.

Salary development over time

The salary for an Auditor has shown a stable and clear increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average monthly salary was 42,300 SEK, then increased to 44 400 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now amounts to 48 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 15.6% over three years. The positive salary trend can partly be explained by increased demand for qualified review services, especially in areas such as sustainability, IT, and internal control, as well as higher requirements for documentation and regulatory compliance. The sector's changing pace, digitalization, and increased demand for specialized skills have also contributed to raising salary levels for the profession.

Auditor salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 48 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 72,800 SEK/month (male, private sector employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 294 SEK
• Women’s average salary: 46 900 SEK/month (88% of men's salary)
• Men’s average salary: 53 100 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, with higher levels in metropolitan areas.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an Auditor usually involves a university or college degree in economics, law, or engineering, depending on the type of audit involved. Many employers also require specialized certifications or experience in the field. Internships and trainee positions can be valuable for gaining practical understanding and networking within the industry.

• Formal education: Bachelor's degree in economics, law, or engineering (3–4.5 years)
• Certifications: Examples include CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), ISO auditor, or other industry-specific certifications
• Internship/trainee: Highly recommended for building experience
• Prerequisites: Good analytical skills and understanding of regulations
• Tips for choosing specialization: Select based on interest areas, such as IT, environment, or economics

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, Auditors are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Some employers also offer further training, bonus programs, and extra vacation days as part of the employment package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an Auditor varies depending on specialization and location. In metropolitan areas and with larger employers, competition is often higher, while smaller towns may offer more opportunities for recent graduates. A shortage of specialized skills in areas such as IT auditing or sustainability can create good opportunities for those with the right education and experience. At the same time, the profession demands high precision, integrity, and continuous updating of knowledge regarding laws and regulations. Digitalization means that Auditors must be open to new working methods and capable of handling advanced analysis tools.

Tips for aspiring Auditors

To succeed as an Auditor, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong sense of accuracy and structure. A practical tip is to seek internships with audit firms or larger companies during your studies to build experience and networks. Communication skills are crucial, as Auditors often need to present complex results clearly and pedagogically. It is also important to stay curious and constantly update oneself on new regulations, as laws and standards change rapidly. Integrity and objectivity are highly valued qualities, especially when handling sensitive issues or deviations. Being solution-oriented and flexible makes it easier to handle unexpected problems, while a professional attitude fosters trust among clients and colleagues.

Key facts about Auditors

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in economics, law, or engineering (3–4.5 years)
• Work environment: Office setting with occasional site visits and teamwork
• Typical employment type: Permanent employment, in both private and public sectors
• Demand: 758 job openings within the profession of other lawyers
• Special skills: Auditing, regulations, analysis, and reporting

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Auditor can advance to roles such as chief auditor, quality manager, or specialist in areas like IT or environmental auditing. Opportunities also exist to work internationally or move into consulting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast for the profession of other lawyers, no specific outlook has been made due to limited data, but there are many job openings. Digitalization and increased compliance requirements indicate a continued need for competent Auditors.

Frequently asked questions about Auditors

• What does an Auditor earn?
  - The average salary for an Auditor is 48 900 SEK per month.
• How to become an Auditor?
  - Most commonly, a bachelor's degree in economics, law, or engineering, along with internships and possible certifications.
• What qualities are important for Auditors?
  - Analytical skills, accuracy, integrity, and good communication skills are central.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 46 900 SEK/month while men earn 53 100 SEK/month.
• Which workplaces hire Auditors?
  - Large and medium-sized companies, audit firms, authorities, and international organizations.
• What is the highest salary for an Auditor?
  - The highest reported salary is 72,800 SEK/month for a man and 58,300 SEK/month for a woman.