Salary assistant

What does a Payroll Assistant do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A payroll assistant works with payroll administration and personnel matters within companies, authorities, or organizations. Tasks include registering and verifying payroll data, managing absences, vacations, and illnesses, as well as administering pensions and other benefits. The payroll assistant often serves as an important contact person for both employees and managers regarding questions about salary and employment conditions. The work is mainly performed in an office environment, requiring accuracy, integrity, and good service skills. Routine procedures and deadlines characterize the workday, which often involves collaboration with finance and HR departments.

Salary development over time

The salary of a payroll assistant has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 37 900 SEK, reflecting an increase of approximately 5.8%. For 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 39 000 SEK, a further increase of 2.9% from the previous year. This positive trend can be partly explained by increased demand for qualified payroll management as the rules and digital systems in the labor market become more complex. Salary development is also influenced by overall wage trends within administration and personnel, as well as increased professionalization of the role. Despite a relatively balanced gender distribution, some differences between men and women persist, possibly due to factors like employment type, sector, and education level.

Payroll Assistant Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 39 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 32,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 46,000 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 234 SEK
• Women: 38 900 SEK/month
• Men: 40 200 SEK/month
• Women earn: 97% of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on the labor market and demand in different parts of the country

Education and Qualifications

To work as a payroll assistant, a high school diploma in economics or administration is generally required, often supplemented with further education in payroll management. Many employers also value practical experience in payroll processing and good knowledge of relevant payroll and HR systems. Additional merits include certifications or courses in labor law and pension administration. Self-study and online courses can be a good complement to stay updated on new laws and systems.

• High school diploma: Economics or administration program (3 years)
• Vocational training: Post-secondary education in payroll/personnel administration (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Courses in payroll systems, labor law, and pensions
• Internship/experience: Internships or traineeships in payroll administration are advantageous
• Self-study: Online courses and webinars on current laws and systems

Common Benefits and Compensation

Payroll assistants are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness contributions, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include extra vacation days, subsidized lunches, and options for remote work and professional development through courses and training.

Challenges and Competition

The labor market for payroll assistants is characterized by high demand and some competition for the most attractive positions. According to the Employment Service, there are large opportunities nationwide, but recruitment difficulties are also reported within the profession. Challenges often involve staying updated on changing laws and digital systems, as well as delivering high-quality work under time pressure. Workload can vary seasonally and depending on the size of the company, with periods like payroll processing and financial closing being particularly intense. The ability to handle stress, be meticulous, and work systematically is crucial for success in the profession.

Tips for aspiring Payroll Assistants

To succeed as a payroll assistant, it is beneficial to develop a strong sense of detail and accuracy, as small errors can have significant consequences for both employees and employers. Being service-oriented and communicative facilitates contact with colleagues and managers, especially when questions about salary and conditions arise. Good organizational skills help manage multiple tasks simultaneously, particularly during busy periods. Staying updated on new laws and regulations demonstrates engagement and improves work quality. Finally, integrity and discretion are vital qualities, as handling personal data and salary information requires a high level of trust and responsibility.

Key Facts about Payroll Assistants

• Education level: High school diploma, often supplemented with post-secondary education
• Work environment: Office setting with clear deadlines
• Typical employment: Full-time, but part-time and hourly positions also exist
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment according to the Employment Service
• Special skills: Experience with payroll systems and labor law is advantageous

Career paths and future prospects

After several years of experience, payroll assistants can advance to roles such as payroll administrator, payroll controller, or personnel officer. Further education can open doors to specialist roles within HR or finance, or to leadership positions like payroll manager. According to the Employment Service's forecast, demand for payroll and personnel administrators remains high nationally, despite some recruitment challenges. Over the next five years, the job market is expected to remain stable, offering good opportunities for both newcomers and experienced professionals. For those interested in digitalization and system development, there is also scope to contribute to organizational development within HR and administration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Payroll Assistants

• What is the average monthly salary of a Payroll Assistant?
  - A payroll assistant has an average salary of 39 000 SEK per month.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Payroll Assistant?
  - The highest salary is 46,000 SEK and the lowest is 32,500 SEK per month, depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What are the gender differences in Payroll Assistant salaries?
  - Men earn on average 40 200 SEK while women earn 38 900 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a Payroll Assistant?
  - A high school diploma with a focus on economics/administration is most common, often supplemented with post-secondary education or courses in payroll management.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Payroll Assistant?
  - Responsibilities include payroll processing, personnel administration, contact with employees and managers, as well as managing absence, vacation, and pensions.
• Are there many job openings for Payroll Assistants?
  - Yes, there are 758 available positions according to current statistics.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The Employment Service considers job opportunities to be significant and forecasts that demand will remain unchanged over the next five years.