Job Costing vs Contract Costing: Difference and Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Job costing is a method businesses use to allocate costs to individual jobs or projects.
2. Contract costing is a specialized job costing used primarily in construction and other project-based sectors.
3. Job costing is versatile and is used in various industries, including manufacturing, custom services, and consulting, while contract costing is predominantly used in construction, shipbuilding, engineering, and other sectors.

What is Job Costing?

Job costing is a method businesses use to allocate costs to individual jobs or projects. It is precious in industries where customized projects or services are provided. This method helps determine the actual cost of each job, aiding in pricing decisions and overall financial developments.

In job costing, costs are classified into two categories- direct costs and indirect costs. Direct costs are expenses directly associated with a specific job, such as material, labor, and equipment. Indirect costs, on the other hand, are those that cannot be traced directly to a single job but are incurred to support overall operations. By summing up the direct and allocated indirect costs, you can calculate the total cost of the job.

Job costing is invaluable for businesses to stay competitive and profitable in industries where customization and project-specific requirements are standard.

What is Contract Costing?

Contract costing is a specialized job costing used primarily in construction and other project-based sectors. It is particularly suited for businesses engaged in long-term contracts or projects where each contract is separate. This method provides a precise way to track and manage costs, assess profitability, and ensure accurate financial reporting.

Industries that employ contract costing have specific accounting and reporting standards that must be adhered to. For instance, the construction industry commonly follows these standards to ensure accurate and transparent financial reporting.

It is crucial for businesses involved in project-based work as it enables them to manage costs, ensure precise billing, and maintain financial transparency. By assessing the profitability of each contract and accurately reporting financial information, companies can make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, pricing strategies, and overall project management.

Difference Between Job Costing and Contract Costing

1. Job costing is used for relatively short-term and smaller projects as it is suitable for businesses that handle numerous distinct jobs, such as a custom furniture manufacturer. In contrast, contract costing is employed in long-term, extensive projects like construction or infrastructure development.
2. In job costing, the cost unit is the individual job or order, while in contract costing, the cost unit is the entire contract or project.
3. In job costing, costs are divided into direct and indirect costs. In contrast, in contract costing, costs are tracked in total for each contract, and there is a focus on progressive cost accumulation.
4. In job costing, revenue is recognized when the job is completed or when specific milestones are reached, while in contract costing, revenue recognition is based on the percentage of completion method, reflecting on how much of the project is done.
5. Job costing is versatile and is used in various industries, including manufacturing, custom services, and consulting, while contract costing is predominantly used in construction, shipbuilding, engineering, and other sectors.

Comparison Between Job Costing and Contract Costing

Parameters	Job Costing	Contract costing
Scope and definition	Used for short-term and smaller projects	Employed in long-term and extensive projects
Cost Unit	Individual job	Entire contract or project
Separation of costs	Divided into two direct and indirect	In total, each contract with a focus on progressive cost accumulation
Revenue Recognition	When the job is completed	Based on the percentage of completion method
Industry application	In manufacturing, custom services and consulting	Used in construction, shipbuilding, engineering

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925527307000849
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212827120310180