The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SOMETHING
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
O
M
E
T
H
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result SOMETHING
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "item of account" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case item of account = something.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SOMETHING mean?
SOMETHING noun- An object whose nature is yet to be defined.
- An object whose name is forgotten by, unknown or unimportant to the user, e.g., from words of a song. Also used to refer to an object earlier indefinitely referred to as 'something' (pronoun sense).
- Applied to an action whose name is forgotten by, unknown or unimportant to the user, e.g. from words of a song.
- Having a characteristic that the speaker cannot specify.
- (degree) Somewhat; to a degree.
- (degree) To a high degree.
- An uncertain or unspecified thing; one thing.
- (of someone or something) A quality to a moderate degree.
- (of a person) A talent or quality that is difficult to specify.
- (often with really or quite) Somebody who or something that is superlative or notable in some way.