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March 28, 2019 Operating activities are the core activities that a business performs to earn revenue. These activities affect the cash flow coming in and out and determine the net income of the business. Some fundamental operating activities for a business are sales, customer service, administration and marketing. These activities are part of the normal functioning of a business that affects its monthly, quarterly and annual income and profits. They also provide the majority of the cash flow and determine profitability. What this article covers:
NOTE: FreshBooks Support team members are not certified income tax or accounting professionals and cannot provide advice in these areas, outside of supporting questions about FreshBooks. If you need income tax advice please contact an accountant in your area. What Is Included in Operating Activities?The operating activities of a business are found in the business’ financial statements particularly the cash flow statement and the income statement. The operating activities section in these statements is considered the most important section since it provides cash flow information related to the daily operations of the business and allows stakeholders to see the viability of the business. It also determines the business’ ability to pay its current expenses such as labor costs and debt repayment. The operating activities that result in revenue generation are:
The operating activities that result in cash outflows are:
In the statement of cash flows, the cash flow from these activities is listed in the operating activities section. They are focused changes in the current assets and current liabilities and the net income. Apart from operating activities, cash flow statement also lists the cash flow from investing and financing activities. What Is an Example of an Operating Activity?Revenue-Generating ActivitiesWhat is the main cash-generating activity of the business? There are two primary revenue-generating activities of businesses – providing services and selling products. Marketing and AdvertisingOperating activities include promotion and advertising of goods and services. For example, a tax accountant might organize introductory training sessions for small businesses at the local chamber of commerce. AdministrationFunctions such as accounting, purchasing, human resources, purchasing, facility maintenance and information technology are included under operational activities. Maintenance and Customer ServiceThe related expenses of customer service and facilities maintenance include rent, utilities, supplies, insurance and licenses. What Are the 6 Types of Business Activities?Regardless of their activities, the ultimate goal of any business is to maximize profits. Keeping this in mind, there are six types of activities that all businesses have to undertake at some point or the other. 1. SalesThe sales team is the lifeblood of every business. The sales team reaches out to the customers to expand the customer base and secure repeat sales. 2. MarketingMarketing and advertising help in developing the brand and boosting the exposure of the business and its services. 3. FinanceBudgeting and finance help in deciding how the revenue is to be utilized for growing the business and achieve optimum results. 4. AccountingThe process of managing the money that goes in and out of your business falls on accounting. Keeping up to date with the expenditure and income allows you to ascertain where and how the money is spent. 5. Customer ServiceCustomer service helps in securing new clients, build lasting relationships and promote referrals for your business. 6. Human ResourcesThe human resources team is an essential part of maintaining current operations and planning for expansion. They are responsible for conducting interviews, hiring applicants, dealing with interpersonal conflicts and determining the benefit packages employees should receive. Not every business activity is an operating activity. The principal operating activities include any cash flows that relate to the core or activity that business performs to earn a profit. The reporting of operating activities helps in determining the focus of the business and its earning potential. RELATED ARTICLES What are examples of operating activities?Operating activities examples include:. Receipt of cash from sales.. Collection of accounts receivable.. Receipt or payment of interest.. Payment for materials and supplies.. Payment of salaries.. Payment of principal and interest for operating leases. ... . Payment of taxes, fines, and license costs.. What is operating expenses in income statement?An operating expense is an expense a business incurs through its normal business operations. Often abbreviated as OPEX, operating expenses include rent, equipment, inventory costs, marketing, payroll, insurance, step costs, and funds allocated for research and development.
What would be classified as a general expense on an income statement?General expenses are overhead costs, such as rent, utilities and office supplies, that help your business function.
Which of the following activities is classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows?Payments for inventory, payments for salaries, cash received from the sale of goods. All these items will be classified as operating activities.
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