Gestión de cuentas por cobrar y pagar: impacto en la liquidez de la empresa campos importadores de productos naturales Natucam S.A., período 2024 – 2023.

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of accounts receivable and accounts payable on the liquidity levels of the company Campos Importadores de Productos Naturales NATUCAM S.A. during the periods 2024–2023. Through the application of financial tools and procedures, the main imbalances affecting the organization's ability to meet its short-term commitments were identified, evaluating the efficiency with which it manages its collections and payments. Methodologically, this is a descriptive and applied study with a qualitative approach, under the empirical-positivist paradigm. A non-experimental cross-sectional design was adopted, as historical data at a specific point in time was used. Analytical-synthetic and inductive methods were used, and case studies, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis were employed as data collection techniques. These tools allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the company's financial processes and their effect on liquidity. The results show that, despite an increase in liquidity indicators such as the current ratio (from $1.28 in 2023 to $1.40 in 2024) and the acid test (from $0.90 to $0.96), these improvements do not reflect true financial strength. This behavior is mainly due to a decrease in current liabilities (from $209,820.87 to $172,413.99), rather than an increase in liquid assets. In fact, the balance of cash and cash equivalents also decreased, from $95,936.16 to $86,843.20, indicating greater fragility in the company's immediate ability to pay. In terms of accounts receivable, there was a worrying reduction in recovery efficiency. Accounts receivable turnover decreased from 9.05 to 4.42 times per year, and the average collection period increased from 40.31 to 82.60 days, doubling. In addition, the customer portfolio balance increased by more than 26%, from $56,382.10 to $71,042.25, generating a higher risk of delinquency, estimated at 44.55% in 2024. This gap between the credit granted (average of 39 days) and the actual collection time directly compromises cash inflows and, therefore, operating liquidity. On the other hand, the analysis of accounts payable revealed that the average payment period (PPP) decreased from 68.78 days in 2023 to 55.67 days in 2024, which means that the company pays its suppliers faster than the time it takes to recover its credit sales. This lack of coordination creates financial pressure, as it forces the company to use its own resources or seek financing to meet its obligations. Although this strategy superficially improves the current liquidity indicator, it actually weakens the cash position and reduces the spontaneous financing provided by suppliers. The findings show that financial ratios, when interpreted in isolation, can give an incomplete picture of the company's financial health. While liquidity ratios show an improvement, this does not come from greater cash availability, but from passive restructuring which, without active account management support, is unsustainable in the long term. In conclusion, the study confirms that accounts receivable and accounts payable management has a direct and significant impact on NATUCAM S.A.'s liquidity. Inefficiencies in portfolio recovery, increased delinquency, and early payment of obligations have limited the company's financial responsiveness, despite what some indicators reflect. Therefore, it is recommended that corrective measures be implemented, such as establishing stricter credit policies, strengthening collection mechanisms, renegotiating terms with suppliers, and automating financial processes. These actions will improve working capital management, strengthen real liquidity, and ensure the company's operational continuity and financial sustainability.