I use QuickBooks Premier Contractor's Edition - but it is NOT necessary to go that route. In fact, it may be beneficial if you start with a smaller version - even Quicken, which is more user-firendly and you and adapt the accounts to suit your needs.
Talk to your accountant first. See what he/she recommends. Most accountants will adapt to any bookeeping system you draw up.
It's probably easier for you to start on a 'cash' basis, instead of accrual. That just means you record money-in and money-out and do not record your accounts payable and receivable.
Payroll, at this point, can be done on paper and you can record your transactions each time you actually pay out. Contact your state offices for the proper forms you will need to file. They will send you the current withholding rate booklets.
Don't rush into buying a top-of-the-line program. Get a handle on what it means to track your expenditures first and then decide based on your specific needs.
A business accounting class, perhaps from your local community college, would be a super idea.
Good luck.