A computer implemented method for account number maintenance used within a single or multi-company accounting system is provided. The method comprises at a processor, performing the account number maintenance on at least one of a plurality of accounts. Each of the accounts has a plurality of account segments. Performing the account number maintenance includes at least one of i) renaming the account segment of at least one of the accounts; ii) changing a length the account segment of at least one of the accounts from a first defined length having a first number of characters to a new defined length having a second number of characters; iii) changing the account segment of at least one of the accounts; iv) merging two or more of the accounts into one of the accounts; and v) splitting one of the accounts into two different accounts.