Strengthening of accounting and financial competence in microenterprises of the commercial sector in El oro

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive study on the strengthening of accounting and financial competence in microenterprises in the commercial sector in the province of El Oro. Using a descriptive quantitative approach and a non-experimental design, a sample of 133 microenterprises, selected by probability sampling with a confidence level of 95%, was analyzed. The findings indicate that most of the microenterprises (45.7%) started operations less than one year ago, with a notable presence in retail trade and the provision of professional services. In terms of accounting management, 65.7% of the participants use sales receipts and 40% use external accountants for advice, reflecting a trend toward outsourcing accounting. With respect to employment generation, 68.6% of the microenterprises have personnel, although the salary level tends to be concentrated in the basic salary or lower. In addition, the predominant type of contract is full-time (40%) and approximately half of the employees are not affiliated with the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS). The study underscores the importance of microenterprises in the local economic dynamics and reveals the need to strengthen accounting and financial capacities to promote their development and formalization. It emphasizes the urgency of policies and training programs that promote knowledge in accounting and finance, as well as the improvement of working conditions and integration into beneficial tax and social security systems.