Automating as much as possible is a good idea. Many of my clients who aren't automated, end up having to do so later. And it's easy to use a program that allows you to compare years, etc.
If you don't want to use Quickbooks products, see if MYOB is for you. I have accounting program resources listed at
http://www.theresourcequeen.com/favorit ... nting.html
If you have an inventory, send out invoices, etc. then I use Quicbooks Pro. My accountant likes the interface of MYOB better.
You can take a class at your local college... usually they have Continue Ed classes on a variety of accounting programs. And check with your SBA or Small Business Development Corp about classes.
Besides being able to download my Paypal account directly to Quickbooks Pro, I can upload my bank records, since they're availalbe in IIF files, too. then I go in (well my book keeper does) and just catalogs the entries, completes customer information, etc.
I don't know how much you like doing the book keeping, but even though I ran an accounting department, I don't like doing paperwork
So at one time I thought about doing it more than it took to do it! Now my book keeper automatically shows up once a month, the work gets done and that's it.
One other thing to consider -- use of your time. If you find a really good bookkeeper, one who has a little tax knowledge, you'll be paying between $20 and $45 per hour. If your hourly rate is more than that, then consider working that hour, hire the book keeper and get that work done, too.