I use QuickBooks Accountant version simply because it gives me the ability to pull up any kind of QB file, contractors, retail merchants, manufacturing and wholesale, non profit, etc. I bought my first edition in 2006. There's no annual subscription that I know of, but there is for Payroll. The accountant version also gives some perks like remote access. I have one client with payroll, but no employees at the moment. You can have up to 3 per payroll subscription.

I'm seriously considering the QB Pro Advisor subscription that upgrades the software annually, and other benefits like training, and referrals. It's rather pricy, but buying the software on an annual basis is pricy. It is a business expense, and one that I'll gladly pay. I've been using QB since 1997 when my accountant recommended it for another business venture.