What does an accounting clerk do? – Tasks and work environment
An accounting clerk works with ongoing bookkeeping, invoice management, reconciliations, and other basic financial administrative tasks at companies, organizations, or accounting firms. The role often includes registering incoming and outgoing payments, managing supplier and customer ledgers, and assisting with monthly and annual closing. The work is mainly performed in digital financial systems and involves regular contact with colleagues and external parties. The work environment is typically office-based with clear routines, structures, and demands for accuracy.
Salary development over time
The salary for accounting clerks has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,200 SEK, rising the following year to 35 500, which represents an increase of about 3.8%. In 2024, the salary continued to increase to 36 400, a further rise of approximately 2.5% compared to the previous year. Overall, this reflects a nearly 6.3% salary increase during the period. This development indicates continued demand for administrative financial services, although the growth has been moderate, partly due to the profession's susceptibility to automation and digitalization affecting salary levels and the job market. Differences between genders are noticeable, with women earning slightly more on average than men in the profession.
Accounting Clerk Salary – Complete Overview
- Average salary: 36 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (male, municipal sector)
- Highest salary: 38,000 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
- Hourly wage: 219 SEK/hour
- Women's average salary: 36 500 SEK/month
- Men's average salary: 35 400 SEK/month
- Women earn: 103% of what men do
Education and qualifications
To work as an accounting clerk, a high school diploma in economics or administration is usually required, complemented by post-secondary courses in accounting and bookkeeping. Practical experience in financial administration and working with financial systems are highly valued. Employers often view certifications or further training in accounting assistant or bookkeeping fields positively. Self-study and online courses can also be advantageous for skill enhancement.
- High school education: Economics or administration program (3 years)
- Post-secondary courses: Accounting, bookkeeping, business systems
- Certification: Economics assistant or equivalent
- Internship: Meritorious, often through education or summer jobs
- Online courses: Opportunities to supplement and broaden knowledge
Many accounting clerks quickly gain broad experience across various industries because their tasks often involve contact with multiple companies and operations. This provides good insight into both finance and business processes, which can facilitate further career advancement within finance or administration.
Common benefits and compensations
Accounting clerks are often offered collective agreement-regulated benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and extra vacation days. Other common benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, subsidized lunches, and professional development through internal or external training. Some workplaces also offer health insurance and bonus programs linked to company performance.
Competition and challenges
The job market for accounting clerks today is characterized by an oversupply of labor, leading to fierce competition for positions. National forecasts indicate that demand for finance assistants and similar roles is expected to decline over the next five years, largely due to increased automation and digitalization of financial processes. Although there are currently 758 job openings in the field, experience and up-to-date skills are often required to stand out in recruitment. The rapid technological development also raises demands for digital competence and adaptability.
Tips for aspiring accounting clerks
To succeed as an accounting clerk, it is beneficial to have a strong sense of structure and order, as the work requires careful handling of figures and documents. An interest in digital tools and financial systems makes daily tasks easier and helps you adapt quickly to new working methods. Being communicative and service-minded is also important, as the role often involves contact with colleagues and external parties. Showing initiative by actively seeking further education or taking on new responsibilities is valuable. Finally, analytical skills are a big plus, as they help identify discrepancies and contribute to improvements in financial processes.
Key facts about Accounting Clerk
- Average salary: 36 400 SEK/month
- Lowest/highest salary: 29,400–38,000 SEK/month
- Gender distribution: Women earn 103% of men's salary
- Job market: 758 job openings, but forecasted demand decrease
- Education level: High school diploma with post-secondary courses
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as an accounting clerk, there are good opportunities to advance to roles such as finance assistant, accounting economist, payroll administrator, or specialist in bookkeeping and accounts receivable. Some choose to further qualify as authorized accounting consultants or controllers. According to the Employment Service forecast, demand for accounting clerks and finance assistants is expected to decline nationally over the coming five years, mainly due to increased automation in financial administration. The job market is thus becoming more competitive, but specialized skills and digital competence increase chances of employment and career development within the profession.
Frequently asked questions about Accounting Clerk
- What does an Accounting Clerk earn?
- An accounting clerk has an average salary of 36 400 SEK per month, with a range between 29,400 and 38,000 SEK.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 36 500 SEK and men 35 400 SEK; women thus earn approximately 103% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become an accounting clerk?
- High school education in economics or administration is most common, often supplemented with post-secondary courses in accounting.
- What does the job market look like for accounting clerks?
- Currently, there are 758 job openings, but demand is expected to decrease over five years due to increased automation.
- What are typical tasks of an accounting clerk?
- Common tasks include bookkeeping, invoice management, reconciliations, support during closing, and working in financial systems.
- What is the most common hourly wage for accounting clerks?
- The average hourly wage is 219 SEK for hourly workers.
