First I would consider size and scope of the business before recommending any type of software. That said, since cloud based accounting is the wave of the future, I would highly recommend online software only. Quickbooks Online Plus is my first g0-to recommendation for most businesses. Xero is more business owner friendly than accountant friendly, and I would normally only recommend it if you require third party integrations (CRM, Merchant Accts, etc.). Xero is a programmers dream.