Gary Roberts' fifth goal of an increasingly prosperous campaign helped Stanley take another small step towards regaining their Football League status.
And, while the club was disappointed by its early exit from the FA Cup against Worcester City, John Coleman's side has taken full advantage of their absence from the competition.
Indeed, Grays second round involvement against Mansfield Town gave Accrington their opportunity to take over top spot.
They now lead their Essex rivals by two points and will hope to consolidate their position when entertaining Kidderminster next Saturday.
However, it took the Lancastrians more than an hour to break down inconsistent Altrincham's stubborn resistance.
Indeed, the goal came shortly after Accrington took off top scorer and former Altrincham favourite Ian Craney.
When Mark Maddox fouled Steve Jagielka, ex-Crewe youngster Roberts curled in a match-winning free-kick from 18 yards.
Man-of-the -match Roberts had earlier been denied in similar circumstances by keeper Stuart Coburn.
Substitute Andy Mangan almost doubled the lead with a volley after 70 minutes, while Accrington debutant keeper Rob Elliot went largely untroubled.
However, he did spill a low Kieron Lugsden cross that Colin Potts wasn't able to force home.
Elliot, who spent a loan spell at Notts County last season, moves north from Charlton after Darren Randolph was recalled by the Londoners.
Altrincham finished the game with ten men after Peter Band was red-carded for abusive language in the closing minutes after being penalised for handball.
The Robins also had three players booked; Steve Bushell, Warren Peyton and Mark Maddox.
Victory completed a league double over their Cheshire visitors, while the clubs meet again later in the month in the FA Trophy.