In the resources section I have posted a link to a more in-depth batch of information about accreditation. It’s really useful and should answer some of your questions about accreditation and valid accreditation agencies.

As for getting your Associates in Accounting, there are plenty of places you can get that! In the resources section I have also provided a link to where you can find a list of some Associates in Accounting degrees along with some links to programs of schools that offer it. Hopefully one of those schools/degrees that are listed will work for you, or at least get you thinking about some other schools!
Also, you might want to think about posting your question to a distance education forum. You’ll probably get the most amount of help there because you can get feedback about schools and programs from actual students. (I’ve provided a link to one of many communities in the resources section.)

I hope that helps a bit!

~A

Regional accreditation is an absolute must

Make sure the school is regionally accredited through one of these agencies: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School. If the school does not hold one of these accreditations, then DO NOT enroll. Best of luck to you!

Regional accreditation is necessary or it is not college.
There are not many, there are 6. Some schools and diploma mills make up accrediting bodies to get your money.

chea.org, one of the 6 bodies. Not DETC, not another ‘accrediting body.’ If you want the degree to be real, and want to have the option of continuing your education, one of the 6 accrediting bodies recognized by the department of education.

Not only accreditation, but make sure they are not-for-profit and have a brick-and-mortar counterpart of a reputable school. Otherwise, it is not likely to payoff as much in the long run. Check out Penn State (www.psu.edu) or (www.rmu.edu) or (www.cmu.edu) or (www.rit.edu) for some examples.

Look for things like ACCSCT, ACICS, Regional accreditation, Middle States; also anything dealing with both the Department of Education and your state government.
There are a lot of agencies out there and once you find out the school accreditation, look online for that particular agency.
Good for you for investigating and good luck in school!