What does a Controller with a focus on personnel do? – Tasks and work environment
A Controller with a focus on personnel primarily works with analyzing, monitoring, and developing the organization's personnel-related costs and processes. The role involves producing statistics and reports on personnel economics, such as salary costs, staff turnover, and productivity. The work is often done in close collaboration with the HR department and management team, where Controllers provide decision support and recommendations for efficient resource utilization. The work environment is usually office-based, with digital tools and system support, requiring analytical skills, accuracy, and an understanding of both economics and HR issues.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salary development for Controllers with a personnel focus has been clearly positive. In 2022, the average salary was 46,000 SEK per month, increasing to 47 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 49 900 SEK, which corresponds to a total increase of about 8.5% over three years. This trend reflects an increased demand for qualified personnel controllers, especially within larger organizations and companies that place greater emphasis on strategic personnel analysis. The salary increase can also be linked to higher educational requirements and increased complexity in job tasks, where analytical ability and digital competence are becoming increasingly important. The job market has been balanced, but competition for the most experienced and specialized Controllers has increased slightly, which also influences salary levels.
Controller, personnel salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 49 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, high school education)
- Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage (average): 300 SEK
- Women's salary as a percentage of men's: 93% (women 49 100 SEK, men 52 900 SEK)
- Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and sector, with metropolitan areas often offering higher salaries than smaller towns.
Education and qualifications
To work as a Controller with a focus on personnel, a university degree in economics, human resource management, business administration, or a similar field is usually required. Many employers also seek experience with personnel issues, HR systems, and financial follow-up. Additional training and certifications in controlling, HR analysis, or labor law can be advantageous.
- Academic degree: Bachelor's degree (3 years) in economics, human resource management, or similar
- Certifications: Courses in controlling, HR analysis, or labor law
- Internship/Trainee: Internships in finance or HR during studies are common
- Prerequisites: Good knowledge of Excel and business systems, analytical skills
- Tips for choosing: Combine economics studies with personnel-oriented courses for broader competence
Working as a Controller with a focus on personnel often means being the link between finance and HR – a position that requires the ability to translate numbers into insights that make a difference for organizational development. You often work closely with management and contribute to strategic decisions regarding skills supply and organizational development. For those who enjoy working with both people and numbers, this is a particularly stimulating role.
Common benefits and compensations
Controllers within personnel are often offered competitive benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and sometimes remote work options. Additional compensations can include bonuses, skills development, and insurance, depending on the employer and sector.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a Controller with a personnel focus is considered moderate, with a balanced job market according to the Employment Service's forecast. There are 758 available jobs within the group of Personnel and HR specialists, indicating continued strong demand. Challenges in the profession may include managing complex personnel data, rapidly changing regulations, and communicating analyses effectively to different parts of the organization. To stand out, extensive experience and specialized skills in HR analysis or digital tools are often required.
Tips for those who want to become a Controller, personnel
To succeed as a Controller with a focus on personnel, it is good to combine analytical precision with an understanding of the organization's human resources. It is recommended to build strong knowledge in both economics and personnel issues early on, and to develop the ability to work systematically with large data sets. Initiative is valuable when new processes or systems are introduced, while good communication skills help convey complex analyses to colleagues and managers. Flexibility is also a strength, as tasks often shift between strategic and operational work. Being solution-oriented and eager to continually develop within HR and finance increases the chances of success.
Key facts about Controller, personnel
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in economics or human resource management is most common
- Work environment: Office-based with close collaboration between HR and finance
- Typical work form: Full-time, often with flexible working hours
- Demand: Moderate and stable according to the Employment Service forecast
- Special expertise: Analysis of personnel economics and management of HR systems
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Controller with a personnel focus, there are good opportunities to advance to more senior roles such as HR Controller, CFO, or HR Manager. In larger organizations, specialization within areas like personnel analysis, labor law, or digitalization of HR processes may be relevant. According to the Employment Service, the prospects for employment in the group of Personnel and HR specialists are considered moderate, and the demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. The job market is characterized by a balance between supply and demand, but digitalization and increased requirements for strategic analysis are expected to influence the role in the future. Those wishing to broaden their skills can also consider roles such as operations controller or consultant within HR and finance.
Frequently asked questions about Controller, personnel
- What does a Controller, personnel earn?
- The average salary is 49 900 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of approximately 300 SEK.
- What education is required to become a Controller with personnel responsibility?
- Most commonly, a bachelor's degree in economics, human resource management, or a similar field.
- Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn about 93% of what men do in this profession.
- What are the job responsibilities of a Controller with personnel focus?
- The tasks include analyzing personnel economics, reporting, budgeting, and collaborating with HR and management.
- What are the future prospects for this profession?
- According to the Employment Service, demand is stable and job opportunities are considered moderate.
- What benefits are common for Controllers within personnel?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness contributions, flexible working hours, and sometimes bonuses.
- What are the career paths?
- After a few years in the role, there are opportunities to advance to HR Controller, CFO, or specialist roles within HR and finance.
