What does a church accountant in finance and leadership do? – Tasks and work environment
A church accountant with operational managerial responsibilities primarily works with financial management, budgeting, and accounting within the Church of Sweden or other church organizations. The role includes strategic and operational responsibility for financial processes, including follow-up of operational results, reporting to management and the board, and developing administrative routines. Often, responsibilities also include personnel management, work environment, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. The work environment is typically office-based and characterized by close collaboration with other managers, elected representatives, and various parts of the organization.
Salary development over time
The salary for church accountants with managerial responsibilities has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 52,400 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 54 300 SEK and reaching 56,700 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8.2% during the period. This positive salary trend reflects an increased demand for qualified financial managers in church activities, where both competence requirements and responsibilities have expanded. Market needs for experienced financial management in non-profit and public sectors also contribute to pushing up salary levels for these roles.
Church accountants in finance – salary and statistics
- Average salary: 56 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 40,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, less than 9 years of education)
- Highest salary: 85,700 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
- Hourly wage (average): 342 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Men 61 800 SEK, Women 53 300 SEK (women earn 86% of men's salaries)
- Regional differences: Data varies; salary levels tend to be higher in metropolitan regions.
It is common for church accountants with managerial responsibilities to also be involved in change management and digitalization of financial administrative routines. Working to modernize and streamline processes has become a central part of the profession, especially in larger parishes and pastoral districts.
Education and qualifications
To work as a church accountant with operational managerial responsibilities, a university degree in economics is usually required, often supplemented with leadership training and experience in similar roles. Many employers prefer candidates with knowledge of public administration and experience in the non-profit or religious sector. Practical experience in financial management and personnel leadership is often a prerequisite.
- Formal education: Bachelor's degree in economics (3 years), sometimes master's (1–2 years additional)
- Specialized courses: Public accounting, church law, labor law
- Certifications: Leadership training, project management
- Practical experience: Experience in financial work within non-profit, public, or church activities
- Prerequisites: Basic IT skills and good communication skills
Common benefits and compensation
Church accountants with managerial responsibilities are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and remote work options. Additional compensation may include leadership allowances, skills development, and favorable holiday and insurance packages. Employers within the church sector often emphasize good work environment and work-life balance.
Competition and challenges
The job market for church accountants with managerial responsibilities is relatively competitive, but demand has increased alongside higher requirements for financial control and transparency within church organizations. Challenges include managing complex regulations, changes in membership and funding, and balancing finances with organizational values. Personnel management in non-profit organizations can also be challenging, especially when resources are limited. Digitalization and high reporting requirements create a need for continuous skills development. However, candidates with the right competence and experience have good opportunities for employment and career development in the field.
Tips for aspiring church accountants with managerial responsibilities
To succeed as a church accountant with operational managerial responsibilities, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with strong leadership. Being meticulous and organized facilitates work with complex financial reports, while good communication skills help explain financial relationships to colleagues and management. Actively seeking internships or part-time jobs within the non-profit sector to understand organizational specifics is advisable. Engagement with the church's values and interest in societal issues are often advantageous, as is flexibility in managing change. For those who are solution-oriented and cooperative, many opportunities for personal and professional development in the role open up.
Key facts about church accountants with managerial responsibilities
- Educational level: Bachelor's degree or higher in economics
- Work environment: Office-based, often with digital tools
- Typical work arrangement: Full-time, daytime
- Demand: 758 job openings reported within the profession
- Special skills: Financial management, leadership, and experience in non-profit sector
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience as a church accountant with managerial responsibilities, there are often opportunities to advance to higher managerial roles, such as finance director, administrative manager, or operations controller within larger parishes or dioceses. It is also common to move into leadership positions within the non-profit or public sectors. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate continued strong demand for qualified economists in both church-related and public activities, especially for those with proven leadership experience and change management skills. Digitalization and demands for modern financial management are expected to continue driving the development of the profession.
Frequently asked questions about church accountants with managerial responsibilities
- What does a church accountant with managerial responsibilities earn?
- The average salary is 56 900 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and employer.
- What education is required to become a church accountant with managerial responsibilities?
- A bachelor's degree in economics is usually a basic requirement, often supplemented with leadership training and experience.
- Are there differences in salary between men and women?
- Yes, men earn an average of 61 800 SEK, while women earn 53 300 SEK, which means women earn 86% of men's salaries.
- What is the job market outlook?
- There are good prospects with 758 job openings in the profession, especially for experienced candidates.
- What tasks does a church accountant with managerial responsibilities have?
- Financial management, budgeting, personnel leadership, and reporting to management and the board are central tasks.
- What can the highest and lowest salaries be?
- The highest salary is 85,700 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education); the lowest is 40,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, lower education).
- What are the most common benefits?
- Occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexitime, and remote work options are common benefits.
