Accountancy is the practice of an accountant, and interested students are required to complete a required curriculum. A typical education may include classes in both accounting and finance and can be gained at institutions all over the world.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.