Why Use Accounting Software?
It is a legal requirement
The Bokföringslag (Swedish Bookkeeping Act) requires every business to maintain organized, accurate financial records. This includes recording all transactions, keeping vouchers, and producing annual financial statements. Accounting software is the standard way to meet these obligations.It saves time
Manual bookkeeping — entering every invoice, payment, and expense into spreadsheets — is slow and error-prone. With software, most entries are automated or semi-automated.It reduces errors
Software enforces double-entry bookkeeping rules, validates account numbers, calculates VAT automatically, and flags inconsistencies. This means fewer mistakes in your tax returns and fewer surprises during audits.Popular Swedish Accounting Platforms
Fortnox
Fortnox is the market leader in Sweden, used by over 400,000 companies. It offers a cloud-based platform covering invoicing, bookkeeping, payroll, and more. It is particularly popular among small businesses and freelancers due to its user-friendly interface and extensive ecosystem of integrations. Best for: Small to medium businesses that want a comprehensive, well-supported Swedish platform.Visma
Visma is a large Scandinavian provider offering multiple products for different business sizes. Their offerings include Visma eEkonomi (for smaller businesses) and Visma Administration / Visma.net (for larger organizations). Visma Spiri is their newer cloud-based solution. Best for: Businesses that may grow and want a platform that scales, or those already in the Visma ecosystem.Bjorn Lunden
Bjorn Lunden provides accounting software tailored to Swedish businesses with a focus on compliance and ease of use. It is popular among accountants and smaller firms. Best for: Businesses that value a traditional, compliance-focused Swedish solution.What Aourly Integrates With
Aourly currently connects with two major platforms:- Fortnox — Full integration for invoices, customers, and vouchers
- Visma/Spiri — Integration for syncing invoices and customer data
Benefits of Connecting Aourly to Your Accounting Software
| Benefit | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| No double entry | Invoices created in Aourly are automatically sent to your accounting software |
| Automatic vouchers | When an invoice is created or paid, the corresponding bookkeeping voucher is generated automatically |
| Customer sync | Client information stays consistent across both systems |
| Accurate VAT reporting | VAT amounts calculated in Aourly flow directly into your accounting, making momsdeklarationen easier |
| Audit trail | A clear connection between your invoicing and bookkeeping records |
What to Consider When Choosing
Before picking an accounting platform, think about:Your business type and size
A solo freelancer has different needs than a consulting firm with employees. Simpler solutions work well for small operations, while growing businesses may need payroll, project accounting, or multi-user access.Your accountant’s preference
If you work with an accountant (redovisningskonsult), ask which platform they prefer. Many accountants have direct access features in Fortnox or Visma, making collaboration easier.Cost
Pricing varies significantly. Fortnox starts with affordable plans for small businesses, while some Visma products are priced for larger organizations. Factor in both the monthly fee and any per-transaction costs.Integration support
Since you are using Aourly, make sure the platform you choose is one Aourly integrates with. This ensures you get the full benefit of automated data flow between your invoicing and bookkeeping.Future needs
Think about where your business is heading. Will you need payroll? Multi-currency support? Inventory management? Choosing a platform that can grow with you avoids painful migrations later.Getting Started
- Choose your platform — Fortnox or Visma are the recommended options for Aourly users
- Create your account on the chosen platform
- Connect it to Aourly — Follow the step-by-step guide in Integration Setup
- Verify the connection — Create a test invoice and confirm it appears in your accounting software
Summary
- Swedish law requires organized bookkeeping — accounting software is the practical way to comply
- Fortnox and Visma are the leading platforms in Sweden, and both integrate with Aourly
- Connecting Aourly to your accounting software eliminates double entry and reduces errors
- Choose your platform based on business size, accountant preference, cost, and future needs
- Set up the integration early to avoid manual catch-up work later
Aourly currently integrates with Fortnox and Visma/Spiri. More integrations are on the roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally need accounting software?
Do I legally need accounting software?
The Bokföringslag requires all businesses to maintain organized bookkeeping. While you could theoretically do it manually, accounting software is the practical standard and greatly reduces the risk of errors.
Can I switch accounting software later?
Can I switch accounting software later?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. You will need to export your data (often via SIE files) and import it into the new system. It is easiest to switch at the start of a new fiscal year.
What happens if I disconnect the integration?
What happens if I disconnect the integration?
Data already synced to your accounting software remains there. New invoices and transactions from Aourly will no longer sync automatically, so you would need to enter them manually.