Innovation, community, and career relevance at ASU stand out for master’s in accounting alum Jack Logsdon

Jack Logsdon (MACC '24) came to W. P. Carey to study accounting during his undergraduate years, and enjoyed his time at the school so much, he decided to continue his studies with the Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics (MACC).

Jack Logsdon (MACC '24) knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in accounting. He had been exposed to the industry from an early age through his mother's career, and he quickly realized his passion for the subject.

"I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers, and after taking my first accounting course in high school, I knew it was the right career path for me," he says. Logsdon came to ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business to study accounting during his undergraduate years, and decided to continue his studies with the Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics (MACC).

During his time in the MACC program, he gained more technical knowledge about accounting, as well as subjects like analytics and machine learning. All of this has been beneficial in his current role as an audit associate at PwC.

W. P. Carey News spoke with Logsdon to learn more about his journey, why he’s passionate about accounting, and what he's looking forward to.

Why W. P. Carey?

Logsdon was already familiar with W. P. Carey, as he had graduated from the school with a bachelor's in accounting in the spring of 2023. His decision to stay and pursue the MACC was driven by a desire to dive even deeper into the subject.

"I was drawn to the MACC program at W. P. Carey because it’s one of the few in the nation that truly integrates accounting and data analytics," Logsdon says. "After discovering my passion for data analytics during my undergraduate studies, the opportunity to strengthen my expertise in that area while continuing to build a strong accounting foundation was the perfect fit for me."

The MACC curriculum prepares students for a successful career in the accounting industry of today and the future by combining traditional accounting principles with hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques used by professionals. The curriculum is reviewed annually to make sure it stays up-to-date with the industry.

Another highlight of the MACC experience was the supportive community Logsdon found with fellow classmates and faculty.

"The faculty made a genuine effort to get to know each student on an individual level, and I formed strong bonds with many of my peers," he says. "Being part of such a collaborative and motivated community exposed me to diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches, which significantly enhanced my learning and professional growth."

Why accounting?

An affinity for accounting runs in Logsdon's family, as his mother was a CPA while he was growing up. Her work in a variety of fields, from internal auditing to marketing, showed him how varied and flexible the profession could be, which only piqued his interest further.

He's been able to experience this flexibility within his role at PwC, where he works as an audit associate in its Private Company Services group. "This role has been especially exciting because I have the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients across diverse industries," says Logsdon.

"What inspires me most is that each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities,” he says. “I get to work on many different aspects of an audit rather than specializing in just one area, which means I’m constantly expanding my knowledge and skill set."

Within his role, Logsdon draws on many aspects of the MACC, but one that's been especially useful is the program's integration of artificial intelligence. "My experience with artificial intelligence during the program has already opened doors to unique opportunities at PwC, where I’ve been able to help test and implement AI-driven tools," he says.

What's next?

Logsdon anticipates even more incorporation of AI and other emerging technologies into the industry in the near future, and applauds programs like the MACC for recognizing this and adapting the curriculum to fit this landscape.

"I’m very excited about the continued integration of technology and AI within the accounting industry," he says. "These advancements are transforming the way we work — enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and insight generation."

"The program has helped me stand out among my peers and has directly aligned with my goal of integrating AI and data analytics into my work as much as possible," he adds.

Because of his experiences with the program's innovative teachings, as well as the close-knit community that surrounds it, Logsdon highly recommends the MACC to future students.

"The MACC program offers not only exceptional instruction from world-class faculty but also the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships with your classmates," he says. "The program is truly at the forefront of accounting and technology, equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in a rapidly changing profession."