Finance and accounting is one of the broadest internship industries in Sweden. Everything from small accounting firms to major banks accepts interns, and the tasks range from running bookkeeping to investment analysis.
An internship in finance and accounting is workplace-based learning where the student works on financial tasks under supervision, for example at an accounting firm, finance department, bank, fund company or audit firm. For YH programs it is called LIA, while for university economics programs it is usually optional internship courses or thesis work in collaboration with the workplace.
Why an internship in finance and accounting#
The finance area requires both regulatory knowledge and practical skill. The internship is where the student meets:
- real annual reports, tax filings and clients
- real ERP systems such as Visma, Fortnox or Microsoft Dynamics
- communication with tax authorities and banks
- time pressure around year-end closings and tax filing periods
It is also one of the industries where junior recruitment most often happens through internships.
Common internship workplaces in finance and accounting#
| Type of workplace | Typical tasks | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting firm | Bookkeeping, accounts payable, VAT filings | Accounting economist, accounting consultant |
| Audit firm | Audit support, review, documentation | Auditor, economics student |
| Bank/savings bank | Customer meetings, credit preparation, administration | Banking, finance, economics |
| Fund company / asset management | Analysis, reporting, compliance support | Finance, quant |
| Company finance department | Year-end closings, analysis, controlling | Management accounting, business controller |
| Tax advisory | Tax calculations, regulatory questions, client communication | Tax, law |
| Insurance company | Claims handling, risk assessment | Actuary, risk analysis |
Always check that your program's learning objectives match the tasks the company can offer.
What do you learn during the internship?#
It varies by program, but typical learning objectives include:
- ongoing bookkeeping according to BFNAR/K-frameworks
- VAT and tax reporting
- year-end closings and annual reports
- analysis of key figures and results
- client communication and advisory
- working in ERP and reporting systems
- compliance and regulatory adherence
You don't need to know everything from the start. You need to show you can take instruction, work carefully and grow during the period.
Common requirements before starting#
Depending on the workplace you may need:
- Confidentiality agreement – almost always, since you will access sensitive financial information.
- Background check – common at banks, fund companies and audit firms.
- Credit check – occurs when working with client funds or sensitive roles.
- Basic system training – many companies require an introduction to Fortnox, Visma or Excel.
- Notification to the Financial Supervisory Authority – rare for interns, but relevant to know about for fund companies.
Check well in advance with both school and company.
How to find the right placement#
1. Define your focus area#
"Finance" is broad. Try to be specific:
- Do you want to work with accounting or analysis?
- Do you want to serve private individuals, small businesses or listed companies?
- Are you interested in audit, tax, capital markets or controlling?
Specific applications beat generic ones every time.
2. Use multiple channels#
- Your school's LIA portal or internship platform.
- The faculty – they often have personal industry contacts.
- Industry associations (FAR, SRF and others).
- LinkedIn – follow audit firms and CFOs.
- Direct contact with firms in your area.
3. Write an application that shows you understand the industry#
Show that you:
- know the difference between accounting and audit
- are aware of year-end and tax filing periods
- know some of the industry's frameworks (BFL, ÅRL, K2/K3)
- are careful and humble about details
You don't need to be an expert. You need to show interest and an understanding that the industry lives on precision.
4. Be ready for a short technical interview#
Many firms test you briefly on:
- basic bookkeeping questions (debit/credit, common accounts)
- Excel skills
- problem-solving in practical scenarios
It is not a final exam, but prepare by reviewing the basics.
Tips for a strong internship#
- Be careful from day one. The industry lives on small details.
- Ask when you're unsure. Guessing right once is more dangerous than asking ten times.
- Learn Excel shortcuts. It is still the industry's most important tool.
- Be discreet. You sit with client information. Never discuss it outside the workplace.
- Note rules and practice. Your own little rule book helps you throughout your career.
How Prakto can help#
For schools and YH providers with many LIA placements in finance, it becomes easier to gather matching, agreements and follow-up in one place using a digital internship platform like Prakto. As a student you get a clearer view of what placements exist, what they require and which documents are needed before you start.
Frequently asked questions about internships in finance and accounting#
Do I need to code to do an internship in finance?#
Not fundamentally. But knowledge of Excel, basic SQL and Python gives you more options, especially toward analysis and asset management.
Is an audit internship good for a future accounting economist?#
Yes, often. You gain insight into many different companies and frameworks. Then decide if you prefer the firm side or working in-house.
Can I do my internship at the same firm where I work part-time?#
It varies between programs. Some allow it if the tasks are clearly separated from regular work, others do not allow it at all.
Do I get paid during the internship?#
No, internships within education are unpaid. However, it is common for firms to offer summer jobs, part-time positions or full employment after a successful LIA.
What happens if I miss the year-end period during my LIA?#
Timing matters. Check with your school and firm early – many YH programs are deliberately scheduled so students get to be present during year-end.
Conclusion#
An internship in finance and accounting is where theory meets regulation and clients. Choose a placement that matches your goals, be careful from day one and treat every task – large or small – as part of your future profession. That is how you secure both a good evaluation and a possible job offer.
