Describe how a job order cost system can be used for professional service businesses.
 

Job order cost accumulation would be most appropriate for professional service firms that provide extended, project-type services for clients. Examples would be architectural, consulting, advertising, or legal services. Job cost sheets would accumulate all direct costs of servicing the client. Such costs would include labor, materials, travel, and subcontracted services. In addition, overhead would be applied using a predetermined overhead rate. The costs accumulated by the job cost sheet would be treated as work in process (a current asset) until the service is completed. Once completed, the cost would be transferred to the cost of services on the income statement.