The operating account or operating fund covers expenses that occur on a regular basis (at least once every year). Operating expenses are predictable and have no adverse effect on the yearly operational budget of an association. Even if the expense is large, if it is something the association pays for at least annually, then it is considered an operating expense. In comparison, the reserve account or reserve fund covers major expenses that must be budgeted for in advance, i.e. before they are incurred. These are typically expenses that occur less regularly and would have a sizable impact on the yearly budgetary process of an association if unaccounted for.