What does a budget planner do? – tasks and work environment
A budget planner is responsible for developing, analyzing, and following up on financial plans within companies or public organizations. The work involves collecting and processing financial information, making forecasts, analyzing deviations, and providing decision support to management. Budget planners often play a central role in financial management and collaborate closely with economists, managers, and operational managers. The work environment is usually office-based, with access to advanced financial systems and analytical tools. The profession requires great accuracy, analytical ability, and a good understanding of organizational goals and processes.
Salary development over time
The salary for a budget planner has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,600 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 54 700 SEK, which corresponds to a raise of approximately 4%. The trend continued in 2024, with an average salary of 56 600 SEK, representing a further increase of about 3.5%. This positive development is linked to the growing need for qualified financial management and increased complexity in both private and public sectors. The demand for specialists in budgeting and analysis has contributed to rising salary levels, especially within larger companies and organizations where financial decisions have significant consequences.
Budget planner salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 56 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 67,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education ≥ 3 years)
- Hourly wage: 340 SEK
- Women: 53 200 SEK (86% of men's salary)
- Men: 61 900 SEK
- Regional differences: Salary levels vary somewhat between major cities and smaller towns, often higher in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
Education and qualifications
To work as a budget planner, a university degree in economics, business administration, or a related field is usually required. Many employers also seek experience in financial management, budgeting, and financial analysis. Certifications and further training can be advantageous, especially in financial systems and business analysis.
- Economics degree: Bachelor's or master's degree (3–5 years)
- Specialized courses: Financial management, budgeting, business analysis
- Internship/trainee: Valuable through internships or trainee programs in finance
- Certifications: Examples include Excel, SAP, or other financial systems
- Prerequisites: Strong analytical skills and an interest in numbers
- Tips for choosing: Combine theoretical education with work experience for the best opportunities
Budget planners often work closely with various departments, gaining deep insight into all parts of the organization. This provides opportunities to influence major decisions and develop a broad network within the organization.
Common benefits and compensations
Budget planners are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, flexitime, and sometimes remote work options. Other common compensations include performance-based bonuses, subsidized lunches, or staff discounts. In some cases, opportunities for professional development and internal training are also provided.
Competition and challenges
The market for budget planners is characterized by balance, where demand and supply of qualified personnel are relatively even. However, competition exists for the most attractive positions, especially in larger cities and within the private sector. Challenges often include adapting quickly to changing economic conditions and new digital tools. Budget planners also need to handle complex analyses and present results in an understandable way for different audiences. Increasing demands for transparency and sustainability reporting make the role increasingly complex and strategic.
Tips for aspiring budget planners
To succeed as a budget planner, it is good to combine analytical precision with strong communication skills. Developing a keen eye for details early on and enjoying structured work facilitates handling large data sets and complex calculations. Curiosity and keeping up with new financial tools and methods also strengthen competitiveness in the job market. Collaboration skills are important since the work often occurs in teams and requires dialogue with various departments. Being solution-oriented and flexible helps when unexpected financial challenges arise, and contributes to building credibility in the role.
Key facts about budget planners
- Educational level: University degree in economics (3–5 years)
- Work environment: Office-based, often in larger organizations
- Typical work form: Full-time, sometimes with remote work options
- Demand: Moderate, approximately 758 job openings in the profession
- Special skills: Financial systems and advanced data analysis
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a budget planner, it is common to take on greater responsibilities such as senior controller, CFO, or project manager within financial management. Other possible career paths include specialist roles in business analysis or financial consulting. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities within the controller profession are assessed as moderate, with stable demand over the next five years. The national recruitment situation is balanced, meaning that those with the right skills and experience generally have good chances of establishing themselves in the job market. Digitalization and increased reporting requirements drive demand for specialists with strong technical skills.
Frequently asked questions about budget planners
- What is the average salary of a budget planner?
- The average salary for a budget planner is 56 600 SEK per month.
- What education is required to become a budget planner?
- A university degree in economics, typically a bachelor's or master's degree.
- Are there gender differences in the salary of budget planners?
- Yes, women earn on average 86% of what men do in the profession.
- What are the future prospects for budget planners?
- The Employment Service assesses job opportunities as moderate and stable in the coming years.
- What are the most common job duties?
- Developing, analyzing, and following up on budgets, as well as supporting management in financial decisions.
- What are the career paths?
- After a few years, opportunities exist to advance to roles such as senior controller or CFO.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, higher salaries are often found in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
