Challenges in the accounting practices of a Peruvian corner store owner

This case study presents the transition from informal to formal accounting practices in small businesses seeking sustainable growth. Set in a Peruvian corner store, this case presents María Saavedra, a successful entrepreneur with expansion plans to transform her bodega into a minimarket. In this case, informal business practices limit the availability and reliability of accounting information necessary for the evaluation of profitability and financing decision-making. The case places students in the role of advisors, requiring them to assess María’s strengths and constraints; design a formal accounting process consistent with the financial reporting framework applicable in their context; evaluate and recommend an accounting information system that supports inventory, sales, and cash management while remaining scalable; and define the professional, ethical, and customer-oriented profile of the accountant that María needs to achieve its growth objectives. The case was implemented with two cohorts of accounting students at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in 2024, and its effectiveness was evaluated through a scoring rubric applied to de-identified team reports submitted prior to the plenary discussion, as well as students written reflections on four open-ended questions, reported through de-identified excerpts. The accompanying Teaching Note provides implementation guidance, assessment criteria, and instructional support for adapting the case across different contexts.