Earning a Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Degree at ERAU

Phoenix native Meredith Tutrone (’24) always wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an accountant. As the time to apply for college grew nearer, she wondered whether accounting work would be too monotonous and “started looking for something similar but [with] a bit of a twist.”

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus is home to the B.S. in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination, which piqued Tutrone’s interest.

“When I found Forensic Accounting at Embry-Riddle, I was immediately intrigued and decided that was exactly what I wanted to study,” she said.

The Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination program is designed for students, like Tutrone, who are interested in accounting, law, fraud deterrence and crime investigation. 

“The forensic accounting industry has evolved immensely over the last 20 years... With the amount of fraud that has been perpetrated after the COVID-19 pandemic and with the innovation of new technology, there are countless opportunities in this industry,” Tutrone said.

Speaking further of her specific interests, she shared, “I am most motivated to do right by the amount of elderly [people] that get tricked into a financial scam every day. In 2022 alone, there were over $3.1 billion in losses from people over 60.”

On-Campus Involvement at Embry-Riddle

At Embry-Riddle, Tutrone has gotten involved in a variety of ways — all of which expand her network and provide learning opportunities for valuable skills.

Her first job was as a Campus Academic Mentor (CAM), during which she taught University 101 to incoming students. She has since become the Lead CAM for the College of Business, Security & Intelligence, which houses her degree program.

In another role within Academic Advising, she helps advisors with tasks such as scheduling, guiding students with academic plans and de-escalating conflict situations.

Beyond academics, Tutrone works in intramurals and game operations for the athletics department, a job she describes as “fun” and “low stress.”

Along with her job experience gained on campus, Tutrone is the vice president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, president of the Eagles Pickleball Association and an outfielder on the women’s softball team.

“Playing on the softball team has led me to create some of my best friends both on and off the field. The girls on the team are the most intelligent, athletic and caring people I have ever met. Playing a college sport while attending Embry-Riddle has been challenging but very rewarding,” she said. “I am so thankful for the opportunities softball has created for me and the learning experiences that came with it.”

In her past two years on campus, Tutrone became an orientation leader, a role that has given her some of her fondest memories.

“I applied to be an orientation leader because I wanted to make sure the incoming freshmen were provided with a positive and welcoming experience from the second they stepped on campus,” she shared. “I know this campus and its classes, clubs, organizations and sports very well, and I knew that I would be able to encourage lots of student involvement and show that going to Embry-Riddle is more than just getting a degree!”

Off-Campus Experience in Internships

In addition to gaining valuable experience on campus, Tutrone has completed multiple internships that have helped guide her career path and preparation.

“In 2022, I worked for Novitas Solutions, preparing audit workbooks and workpapers. In summer 2023, I worked for Western Alliance Bank on their Sarbanes-Oxley team and tested various internal controls for their effectiveness and their efficiency,” she shared. “This past winter break, I worked for Cantor Forensic Accounting, creating schedules and learning more about family law and divorce accounting.”

Looking to the Future

Tutrone gives credit to the positive role models in her life for fueling her motivation.

“My mother has always been an inspiration for me. She is a Certified Public Accountant who worked at her previous firm for many years and ended her career there as a partner. My mother’s critical thinking skills, intelligence and determination have shown not only through her success but also in both my sister and me,” she said.

“My father, who has owned multiple businesses, is also one of my motivations. He provides me with life lessons that are invaluable,” she continued. “He has taught me that with every endeavor, one must have the smarts, the heart and the ability to get to where you want to be.”

Tutrone has ambitious goals for her future – and is well on her way to achieving them.

“My goals include finishing my bachelor's degree, obtaining my Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner licenses, going to get my master's degree and eventually starting my own firm,” she said.

The Embry-Riddle Experience

Thinking about her own experience while earning her degree from Embry-Riddle, Tutrone had some advice to offer fellow and future students.

“Take it day by day. Embry-Riddle is a challenging school no matter what your major is, but that does not mean that we need to get caught up in that,” she shared.

“I would also tell students to make sure they get involved. Getting involved on campus does not mean you have to become the president of a club or attend every event possible, but instead stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing something new! College is the time to find different or unique things you enjoy, and sticking to your regular schedule will only set you back.”

She continued, highlighting that her experience was not only a chance for academic and career development but personal growth too.

“College wasn't just textbooks and exams; it was late nights spent in dorm rooms and the library, creating new memories on countless bus rides and learning and growing more into who I am than I ever have before,” she reflected.