Quality assurance, the Swedish Customs

What does a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs has the overall responsibility for ensuring that the agency's processes, routines, and working methods meet set requirements and standards. The work often involves developing, implementing, and following up on quality management systems, as well as evaluating compliance with laws and internal regulations. QA specialists work closely with both operational and administrative staff and participate in continuous improvement efforts, often through analysis of deviations, risk assessments, and training initiatives. The work environment is primarily office-based but can sometimes include visits to operational units, where collaboration with other authorities and external actors occurs.

Salary development over time

The salary development for Quality Assurance Specialists at the Swedish Customs has been steady and positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK, increasing to 38 800 SEK in 2023 and further to 41,000 SEK in 2024. The total increase corresponds to about 7% over three years, which is slightly above the average for similar roles in the public sector. Factors driving the salary increase include increased demand for quality assurance in government work, growing complexity of regulations, and a focus on internal control and risk management. There is also a tendency for employers to reward relevant further education and experience, which can lead to additional salary increases.

Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 41,000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 38,500 SEK
• Highest salary: 46,100 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 246 SEK
• Men (average): 42 000 SEK
• Women (average): 39 600 SEK
• Women earn: 94% of what men do
• Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs, a post-secondary education is usually required, often in fields such as law, social sciences, or quality management. Many employers seek experience in similar roles within the public sector or specific certifications in quality work. Practical experience in process development, auditing, or internal control is advantageous and can be crucial during recruitment.

• Formal education: Post-secondary education (often 2–3 years), e.g., university degree in law, social sciences, or quality management
• Certifications: Quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and internal audit courses
• Experience: Prior work in process development, auditing, or internal control
• Prerequisites: Good analytical skills and experience in public administration are advantageous
• Tips for choosing: Focus on areas like social analysis, law, or quality work for the best fit

Common benefits and compensations

Quality Assurance Specialists at the Swedish Customs are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and generous vacation policies. Additionally, opportunities for professional development, subsidized lunches, and sometimes extra compensation for special assignments are available.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs varies depending on region and current demand, but the job market is generally characterized by stable demand. A challenge is that the role requires continuous updating on legislation and internal regulations, demanding flexibility and a learning mindset. Balancing the agency’s quality requirements with efficiency and operational needs can also be challenging. Since the role often involves collaboration across departments and with external actors, good communication skills are essential. An additional challenge is the lack of specific forecasts for the profession, which can make it difficult to predict long-term trends.

Tips for those who want to become a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs

To succeed as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs, it is beneficial to have an analytical mindset and the ability to quickly understand new regulations. Precision is critical to ensure no details are missed during reviews and process mapping. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration and training, while a solution-oriented approach allows for effective development and implementation of improvement proposals. Integrity is also important, given the responsibility to ensure compliance with laws and internal regulations. For those looking to stand out in the recruitment process, prior experience in quality work or internal auditing, along with active pursuit of further education in the field, is advantageous.

Key facts about Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs

• Educational level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years) recommended
• Typical work environment: Office-based, sometimes with field visits
• Work form: Full-time, often permanent employment
• Number of job openings in the profession: 191
• Special skills: Quality management, process development, and regulatory expertise

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs, opportunities open for more senior roles, such as quality manager, internal auditor, or project leader for development initiatives within the agency. Some choose to specialize further in process development or work as consultants in agency governance. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for customs and border control officers, there is no precise outlook due to limited data, but the job market is considered stable with 191 job openings. The demand for quality expertise is expected to remain high, especially with increasing requirements for compliance and internal control in the public sector.

Frequently asked questions about Quality Assurance Specialists at the Swedish Customs

• What is the salary of a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs?
  - The average salary is 41,000 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and gender.
• What education is required to work as a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs?
  - A post-secondary education in law, social sciences, or quality management is recommended.
• How do gender pay differences look?
  - Men earn on average 42 000 SEK and women 39 600 SEK, which means women earn 94% of men's salary.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Quality Assurance Specialist?
  - Tasks include developing and monitoring quality management systems, analyzing deviations, and training staff.
• Are there regional salary differences for this profession?
  - No specific statistics are available for regional differences.
• What are the future prospects for Quality Assurance Specialists at the Swedish Customs?
  - The job market is considered stable, but no detailed forecast is available due to limited data.
• What benefits does a Quality Assurance Specialist at the Swedish Customs receive?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, flexitime, wellness allowance, and professional development.