When I started up my local store, we were far away from any big towns and accountants. My daughter suggested this computer program called Xero. I'm not great with computers but after a bit of learning I was able to do it by my self. 

Hey Matilda. For startups and smaller businesses, the new software packages are definitely the way to go. Once your business grows, however, I think the scary part comes around tax and that's when a face-to-face accountant is very important!

I must agree with Matilda here. If you start small and pick up all the tricks as you grow, it's far less daunting than accountants make it out to be, especially for the day-to-day running.

I think when year-end comes that a professional eye is important, but they will still rely on you - the business owner - on keeping a clean set of books, this has always been the case, from good old pen and paper to the current digital age.

this post has given me some good ideas regarding the options I can use for my new business thank you!

I use an in house accountant who has made many serious mistakes and I now need to find an alternative.. thanks to the above advice I feel outsourcing is the best option for my business. thank you

I agree that when you start your business resources are tight and you may need to be a Jack (or Jill) of all trades.The various accounting software will suffice but as Sean said the more you grow the more you will need additional help. You also need to ask yourself this question, how much is it costing you (opportunity cost) to be spending time on accounting versus spending time growing your core business? It's a no brainer!! I have been in the accounting and tax field for 20 years both as an employee (in house) and as a business owner (accounting and non accounting sectors), trust me I have seen it all and not paying attention to your accounting and tax matters can cost you and your business dearly!