Salary progression Accountant

Average salary 38 100 kr
Males 36 900 kr
Females 38 300 kr

What does an accountant do? – Tasks and work environment

Accountants are responsible for recording, verifying, and compiling financial transactions in companies and organizations. Common tasks include ongoing bookkeeping, invoice management, reconciliations, and preparing documentation for financial statements and tax returns. Most work is performed in offices, often using computerized financial systems, in close collaboration with other finance staff, auditors, and sometimes external clients. The work environment is characterized by orderliness, precision, and a clear structure, as accuracy is crucial to meet legal requirements and internal procedures.

Salary development over time

The salary for accountants has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK per month, which increased to 36 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 38 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.4 % over the period. The salary increase can be explained by increased complexity in accounting work, digitalization, and demands for broader skills within finance and reporting. Despite this, forecasts indicate a future surplus of qualified accountants, which may temper salary growth going forward. The fact that women earn on average more than men in the profession is also an unusual trend that stands out statistically.

Accountant salary – a complete overview

  • Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, postgraduate education <3 years)
  • Highest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 219 SEK/hour
  • Women: 38 300 SEK/month (104 % of men's salary)
  • Men: 36 900 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data varies depending on location and sector

Education and qualifications

To work as an accountant, a high school or postgraduate education in economics is usually required, supplemented with relevant work experience. Many employers value practical experience with accounting software and basic knowledge of accounting, VAT, and tax legislation. The requirements for the profession may vary depending on the employer and sector, but a structured and analytical ability is always important.

  • High school education: Economics program, 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational college or university, 1–3 years
  • Certifications: Courses in bookkeeping, accounting, and financial systems
  • Internships: Internships or trainee positions are recommended
  • Prerequisites: Good knowledge of mathematics and IT

Many accountants gain early trust to handle sensitive information and large financial flows. The profession offers a quick insight into strategic business processes and is an excellent stepping stone for those who want to develop within finance and reporting.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Accountants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible hours, remote work options, and pension contributions. Other common compensations include training support, occupational pensions, and sometimes bonuses upon achieving goals. Larger employers may also offer staff discounts, insurance solutions, and professional development.

Competition and challenges

The profession of accountant is characterized by high competition, especially due to digitalization and automation of simpler bookkeeping tasks. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is a national surplus of qualified accountants, and demand is expected to decrease further over five years. To meet this challenge, professionals need to continuously develop their skills in new financial systems, legislation, and digital tools. The ability to understand and analyze complex business flows is becoming increasingly important to stand out in the job market.

Tips for aspiring accountants

To succeed as an accountant, it’s good to combine accuracy with a willingness to learn continuously. Being structured helps when sorting and recording large amounts of data correctly, while analytical skills aid in understanding and interpreting financial reports. Gaining practical experience early, such as through internships or part-time jobs, is highly valued by employers alongside formal education. Being service-oriented and communicative makes collaboration with colleagues and clients easier, especially during reconciliations and reporting. The ability to work independently and meet deadlines is also central, as accounting work often occurs under time pressure. Finally, staying updated on new financial systems and regulations is crucial to meet job market demands.

Key facts about Accountants

  • Education level: High school or postgraduate education in economics
  • Work environment: Office-based, often with digital tools and systems
  • Demand: Limited job opportunities with a forecast of decreasing demand
  • Typical employment: Full-time, but part-time and hourly positions also exist
  • Gender distribution: Women earn slightly higher salaries than men in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an accountant, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as accounting economist, finance manager, or controller, especially for those who further specialize in finance or accounting. The Swedish Public Employment Service forecasts a declining demand and a surplus of qualified professionals in the field of finance assistants, which includes accountants. The number of job listings remains high, with 758 positions advertised nationwide, but competition is expected to increase as digital tools take over routine tasks. For those investing in further education and specialization, for example in tax or advanced accounting, there are still good opportunities to build a sustainable career in the finance sector.

Common questions about Accountants

  • What is the average salary for an accountant?
    - An accountant has an average salary of 38 100 SEK per month.
  • What is the hourly wage for an accountant?
    - The hourly wage is 219 SEK for a part-time accountant.
  • Are there differences in salaries between men and women in accounting?
    - Yes, women earn on average 38 300 SEK while men earn 36 900 SEK.
  • What education is required to become an accountant?
    - High school education in economics is most common, but postgraduate studies and certifications are advantageous.
  • What is the job market like for accountants?
    - The job market is characterized by a surplus and decreased demand over five years.
  • What career paths are available for accountants?
    - Common development paths include becoming an accounting economist, controller, or finance manager.
  • Where are the highest and lowest salaries for accountants?
    - The highest salary is 38,000 SEK (female, private sector), and the lowest is 29,400 SEK (male, municipal sector).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Accountant is 39700 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 39100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Accountant is 29900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Municipal sector. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 32500 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 102% 31200 kr 31200 kr
25-34 98% 35200 kr 35400 kr
35-44 94% 39900 kr 40200 kr
45-54 121% 39300 kr 39500 kr
55-64 93% 38800 kr 39100 kr
65-68 37300 kr 37500 kr
Snitt 104% 37900 kr 38100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Accountant has the SSYK code 4111, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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