How to choose an accounting firm in Sweden and avoid costly mistakes
Checklist, key questions, pricing models and red flags. Choose a redovisningsbyrå with less risk.
If you need to choose an accounting firm in Sweden, don't start with "the cheapest option". In Sweden, bookkeeping issues often surface late, around VAT returns (momsdeklaration), employer reporting (arbetsgivardeklaration) or the annual report (årsredovisning). This guide helps you select a redovisningsbyrå based on risk, process and transparency.
30-minute checklist to select a redovisningsbyrå
Use this on the first call. If several answers are vague, it's usually a sign to keep looking.
| What to check | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
1 Named owner for delivery and deadlines | You pay for outcomes and deadline control | Ask who is responsible and how follow-up works |
2 Experience with your entity type (AB / sole trader) | Different requirements and common pitfalls | Ask for typical scenarios (no client details) |
3 Reconciliation routines (avstämning) | Most expensive issues come from missing reconciliations | Ask what they reconcile and how often |
4 Tools and integrations | Bank connections and automation reduce errors | Ask which banks and platforms they support |
5 Contract scope | Clear boundaries prevent surprise add-ons | Request a sample offer and included tasks |
6 Pricing logic | "Cheap" can become expensive if add-ons are unclear | Compare fixed fee vs hourly, ask about extras |
7 criteria that drive outcomes
Deadline management
Ask how they track VAT, employer reporting (if you have employees), and annual report deadlines. A solid answer includes process, calendar and accountability.
Reporting and communication
Request an example of the monthly reporting you will receive, and who explains the numbers.
Understanding your business model
E-commerce, consulting, restaurants and construction come with different risks. It's a good sign if they ask detailed questions upfront.
Automation level
If everything is handled only at year-end, risk increases. A stable flow helps: documents → bookkeeping → reconciliations → reports.
Onboarding quality
A structured onboarding includes required access, bank connection (bankkoppling), authorisations (fullmakt) and a clear timeline.
Pricing: what is included
Ask what's included in the monthly package, expected volume, the cost of advisory calls, and how pricing changes when you grow.
Red flags
No contract, unclear reconciliation process, "we can fix everything retroactively", unclear pricing, and slow response times.
When you need an accountant and what it typically costs
Price depends on document volume, employees, VAT reporting period and complexity. Even with low volume, risks can be high due to VAT rates, missing documentation (underlag) and mixing personal and business expenses.
If you do it yourself but spend evenings reconciling, feel unsure about VAT, or have year-end closing/annual report coming up, a consultation is often cheaper than later corrections.
Questions for your first call
What is included in the monthly fee and what is considered an add-on?
Which reconciliations do you perform and how often?
Who is my main contact and what response time should I expect?
What access do you need to onboard (bank connection, authorisations)?
What risks do you see in my current setup?
Want help choosing and getting a clear offer?
We can review your case quickly and propose a clear package and onboarding plan.