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What does a Certified Public Accountant do? – Duties and Work Environment

A certified public accountant works to review and assess the financial reporting of companies and organizations, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Tasks include auditing financial statements, annual reports, and financial reports, as well as providing advice on tax matters and business development. The accountant also assists in establishing internal routines and often acts as a link between management, authorities, and other stakeholders. The work environment is mainly office-based, with periods of high workload around financial closing and tax declaration times. The work involves both independent assignments and teamwork, often with regular client visits.

Salary development over time

The salary for a certified public accountant has steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,800 SEK per month, rising to 48 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 50 300 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of just over 5% over three years. The salary increases can partly be explained by a rising demand for qualified accountants, more complex regulations, and the departure of many professionals from the field, creating a greater need for new skilled employees. Market demands for specialized knowledge in areas such as sustainability reporting and digitalization also positively influence salary development. Despite the overall growth, differences between genders and regions still exist.

Certified Public Accountant salary – full 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: 303 SEK
• Women: 48 100 SEK/month (89% of men's salary)
• Men: 54 000 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on location, with larger cities often offering higher wages

Education and qualifications

To work as a certified public accountant, a university degree in economics is generally required, followed by practical experience and a special qualification exam. The educational path is comprehensive, involving both theoretical studies and internships. It is essential to have strong analytical skills, precision, and an interest in laws and regulations. Many choose to pursue further education and certification through the Supervisory Authority of Auditors.

• Economics degree: Bachelor's (3 years) or master's (4–5 years)
• Practical training: At least 3 years under supervision of an authorized accountant
• Certified public accountant exam: Special exam via the Supervisory Authority of Auditors
• Certification courses: Courses in accounting, auditing, and business law
• Prerequisite: High school diploma, often with an economic focus

Common benefits and compensations

Certified public accountants are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, remote work options, paid further education, and performance-based bonuses. Other common compensations include subsidized lunches, flexible working hours, and sometimes company cars, especially for client visits.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a certified public accountant is characterized by high competition, especially at larger audit firms where requirements for education and experience are significant. At the same time, recruitment difficulties are reported within the industry, creating opportunities for new candidates. A challenge is the recurring changes in legislation and regulations, which require continuous professional development. The workload can be high during financial closing and tax periods, and high demands are placed on integrity and accuracy. Digitalization and automation are also changing the work tasks, requiring accountants to adapt to new tools and methods.

Tips for aspiring Certified Public Accountants

To succeed as a certified public accountant, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in numbers, as the work often involves scrutinizing details and understanding complex financial flows. Precision is crucial—avoiding mistakes in audits requires great accuracy and patience. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and clients, especially when financial reports and recommendations need to be clearly conveyed. Staying updated on new laws and regulations is essential, so an interest in continuous learning and market awareness is important. Flexibility and stress resilience are needed during busy periods, while integrity and ethics are fundamental to building trust in the role.

Key facts about Certified Public Accountant

• Educational level: University degree in economics, often complemented with master's
• Work environment: Office-based, often with client visits and periods of high activity
• Work form: Full-time, sometimes overtime during financial closing
• Demand: Great opportunities for nationwide employment
• Special skills: Auditing, accounting, business law, and regulatory expertise

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a certified public accountant can advance to more senior roles, such as authorized public accountant, team leader, or specialist in areas like tax advisory or sustainability auditing. Many choose to specialize further within specific industries or start their own accounting firm. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, job opportunities remain strong, and demand is expected to stay stable over the next five years. Recruitment difficulties are also reported, benefiting recent graduates and experienced accountants. Currently, there are 758 job openings in the industry, indicating good future prospects for those entering the field.

Frequently asked questions about Certified Public Accountant

• What does a Certified Public Accountant earn?
  - A certified public accountant has an average salary of 50 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, sector, and education.
• How does one become a Certified Public Accountant?
  - The path involves a university degree in economics, supervised practical training, and a special exam from the Supervisory Authority of Auditors.
• What are the job responsibilities of a Certified Public Accountant?
  - Duties include auditing financial statements, providing advice, reviewing internal routines, and reporting to authorities.
• What is the job market like for Certified Public Accountants?
  - Opportunities are large nationwide, with many available positions within the profession.
• Are there gender differences in salary for Certified Public Accountants?
  - Yes, women earn on average 89% of what men do in the profession.
• What education is required to become a Certified Public Accountant?
  - A bachelor's degree in economics, practical training, and approval from the Supervisory Authority of Auditors are required.
• What is the difference between a Certified and an Authorized Public Accountant?
  - An authorized public accountant has additional qualifications and can undertake larger, more complex audits.