Credit watchdog

What does a Kreditbevakare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Kreditbevakare works with monitoring and analyzing credit risks for companies or individuals. Tasks include reviewing customers' repayment ability, following up on unpaid claims, and proposing measures to minimize credit losses. This is often done in close collaboration with credit managers, accountants, and sometimes lawyers. Kreditbevakare are usually employed by banks, finance companies, or larger firms with their own credit departments. The work environment is primarily office-based, requiring high accuracy, analytical skills, and a structured approach, as decisions can have significant financial consequences for the employer.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Kreditbevakare has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 42,500 SEK per month, rising to 44 200 SEK in 2023 and reaching 47 400 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11.5%. Factors driving this increase include higher demand for qualified credit assessments as the credit market becomes more complex, and a generally higher educational level among new hires. Employers value both experience and specialized skills, which has contributed to raising the average salary. There are also differences based on gender and education length, affecting the salary range within the profession.

Kreditbevakare salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 47 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, private sector, education shorter than 3 years)
Highest salary: 59,900 SEK/month (male, private sector, education 3 years or more)
• Hourly wage: 285 SEK
• Women: 43 600 SEK/month
• Men: 52 800 SEK/month
• Women’s share of men’s salary: 83%
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary slightly depending on region and employer, with metropolitan areas often offering higher levels.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Kreditbevakare, post-secondary education in economics, law, or finance is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with a university degree, but opportunities also exist for those with a high school diploma and relevant work experience. Specialized courses in credit assessment, risk management, and debt collection are considered advantageous, as well as the ability to work with advanced data systems and analytical tools.

• Post-secondary education: Economics, law, or finance (2–3 years or longer)
• Additional courses: Credit assessment, debt collection, risk management
• Internships: Often through trainee programs or internships at banks or finance companies
• Prerequisites: Strong analytical skills and experience with administrative work
• Certification: Meritorious but not mandatory (e.g., Swedsec license)

Common benefits and compensations

Kreditbevakare are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, pension contributions, health insurance, and sometimes performance-based bonuses. Flexitime and remote work options are common, especially with larger employers in the banking and financial sector. Training grants and opportunities for further development within the profession are also frequently available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Kreditbevakare is considered moderate, and the recruitment situation is balanced, according to the Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts. The demand for Kreditbevakare is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of labor. One of the main challenges in the profession is staying updated on changing regulations and digital tools that affect credit assessments. Additionally, the role requires high integrity and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure, which can be psychologically demanding. Automation and digitalization increase the need for technical skills and adaptability.

Tips for those wanting to become a Kreditbevakare

To succeed as a Kreditbevakare, it is helpful to develop strong analytical skills and an interest in numbers, as the work often involves interpreting complex financial data. Precision is crucial to avoid missing details in credit assessments. Being communicative and pedagogical aids in dialogue with clients and colleagues about sensitive credit decisions. Flexibility and the ability to handle change are valuable as regulations and work methods are rapidly updated. A structured approach and good stress tolerance are necessary to manage multiple cases simultaneously and make well-founded decisions even under time pressure. Staying updated through further education and networking increases chances for career development. Lastly, integrity and the ability to stand firm on difficult decisions build trust internally and externally.

Key facts about Kreditbevakare

• Educational level: Post-secondary degree in economics, law, or finance
• Work environment: Office-based, often in teams with a fast pace
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes remote options
• Demand: Moderate, 550 job openings in the profession
• Gender differences: Women earn 83% of what men do

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Kreditbevakare, opportunities open to advance to roles such as credit manager, risk analyst, or other specialist positions within banking and finance. Some choose to move into advisory roles or work with credit policies and internal audits. The latest forecast from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicates that demand for Kreditbevakare and bank clerks is expected to remain unchanged over five years, maintaining a balance between supply and demand. Investing in further education and certifications offers good opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and broaden one's scope within the financial sector. Digitalization and increased complexity in credit assessments are also expected to lead to new specialized roles over time.

Frequently asked questions about Kreditbevakare

• What is the average salary of a Kreditbevakare?
  - A Kreditbevakare has an average salary of 47 400 SEK per month.
• What are the lowest and highest salaries for a Kreditbevakare?
  - The lowest salary is 40,700 SEK and the highest is 59,900 SEK, depending on education, experience, and sector.
• What are the gender differences within the profession?
  - Women earn 43 600 SEK and men 52 800 SEK, which means women earn approximately 83% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Kreditbevakare?
  - Post-secondary education in economics, law, or finance is recommended.
• What is the job market outlook for Kreditbevakare?
  - Opportunities are moderate, and the balance between supply and demand is considered good.
• What tasks are included in the role?
  - Monitoring credit risks, analyzing repayment ability, and managing unpaid claims.
• Are there opportunities for further education?
  - Yes, many employers offer training grants and courses in credit and risk management.