Schoolmates

What does a school treasurer do? – Tasks and work environment

A school treasurer is responsible for financial administration within the education sector, focusing on budgeting, accounting, invoice handling, and financial reporting. The role often involves supporting school management in financial decisions, monitoring costs and revenues, and ensuring that school resources are used efficiently. The work environment is primarily office-based, where accuracy and structure are crucial. Contact with school staff and municipal officials is common, requiring good teamwork and clear communication.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the average salary for a school treasurer has increased from 47,800 SEK in 2022 to 48 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 50 300 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 5.2% over the period, aligning with the general salary trend in public administration and finance. The most significant increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, when salaries rose by 4.2%, which can be linked to increased demand for qualified financial staff in the education sector and inflation adjustments. The market for school treasurers is also influenced by many leaving the profession, creating a need for new recruits and potentially driving wages upward. Salary levels indicate a stable and competitive profession with potential for continued growth.

School treasurer salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 50 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 39,500 SEK/month (female, high school education)
• Highest salary: 56,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 303 SEK
• Women: 48 100 SEK/month (89 % of men's salary)
• Men: 54 000 SEK/month

Education and qualifications

To work as a school treasurer, a post-secondary education in economics is generally required, often at university level. Practical experience in financial administration, especially from the public sector or school environment, is highly meritorious. Good knowledge of financial systems, legislation related to public administration, and accounting are central to succeeding in the role.

• Post-secondary economics education: 2–3 years (vocational college or university)
• Courses in public administration and accounting
• Internship in finance or administration
• Good IT skills in financial systems
• Experience from school or municipal operations is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

School treasurers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work when needed. Other common compensations may include subsidized lunch, professional development, and extra vacation days, especially within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a school treasurer is moderate to high, as the profession requires both solid financial expertise and an understanding of the school's unique conditions. A major challenge is staying updated on legislative changes and financial regulations. Digitalization and new financial systems increase demands for technical competence. At the same time, difficulties in recruiting experienced school treasurers are reported, as many with experience choose to move on to other financial roles within municipalities or the private sector. For newcomers, the learning curve can be steep, especially regarding understanding the school's specific budgeting processes and reporting requirements.

Tips for those who want to become a school treasurer

To succeed as a school treasurer, it is good to combine accuracy with analytical thinking, as the role requires both scrutinizing figures and seeing the bigger picture of the school's finances. Strong organizational skills facilitate managing multiple budgets and projects simultaneously. Being communicative is important to explain financial matters to school management and staff. Flexibility is a valuable trait, as tasks can vary between budgeting, reporting, and advising. An interest in public operations and societal issues provides additional prerequisites for enjoying the role, while a desire for continuous further education in economics and new systems is crucial to stay relevant in the profession.

Key facts about School Treasurer

• Average salary: 50 300 SEK/month
• Education level: Post-secondary economics education (2–3 years)
• Gender salary gap: Women earn 89 % of men's salary
• Typical work setting: Office-based, often within the public sector
• Number of job openings in the profession: 758

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years as a school treasurer, opportunities open to advance to roles such as finance manager, accounting supervisor, or controller within the education sector or other parts of public administration. Some choose to further qualify as authorized auditors or switch to more specialized roles in financial management. Projections from the Employment Service show that demand for auditors and qualified economists in the public sector is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with continued good job opportunities. Recruitment difficulties and a large number of retirements contribute to the profession's strong job prospects, especially for those with experience or further education in public finance. Among the available jobs in the profession, there are a total of 758 positions, indicating a stable job market.

Frequently asked questions about School Treasurer

• What does a School Treasurer earn?
  - A school treasurer has an average salary of 50 300 SEK/month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and education level.
• What education is required to become a school treasurer?
  - Usually, a post-secondary education in economics, such as a university or college program lasting 2–3 years, is required.
• Are there gender differences in salaries for school treasurers?
  - Yes, women earn on average 89 % of men's salaries within the profession.
• What are the future prospects for school treasurers?
  - The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are plentiful and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What are the duties of a school treasurer?
  - Duties include budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and advising school management.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a school treasurer?
  - The highest salary is 56,300 SEK/month and the lowest is 39,500 SEK/month, depending on education, sector, and gender.
• How many job openings are available for school treasurers?
  - There are 758 available positions according to the latest statistics.