I can testify first hand in the strength of Xero to handle...

I can testify first hand in the strength of Xero to handle payroll and the core accounting functions of a medium size business. We moved to Xero in 2013 with 10 employees and $2.5m and now have $14m turnover and 55 employees. We make extensive use of the API functions and many app plug ins. Our book keeping hours over that period have grown from 18 hours to 32 hours and our compliance costs actually reduced - no lie!! Do not tell your kids or family to go into bookkeeping or payroll. Automation has decimated that role however the real big hit is probably still to come as I feel our business is probably some what at the fore front in terms of adoption of automation across all our back office functions. I have actually been championing Xero to put pricing up for businesses like us ($100 per month) as it is way too cheap!! We are a very very sticky customer. Disclaimer: I hold a decent parcel of Xero shares and love the product due to how much money it has saved me in my core private business.