I am trying to re-enter an old career path and would like some advice on how to land the interview and, eventually, job I'm looking for.  The field is Accounting.

I received a Bachelor's in Accounting in 1996.  I worked for three years in Accounting with one company.  When I left that company I entered the IT field - technical support.  In 2006 the technical support jobs that paid well without a degree started to dry-up in this area, mainly due to overseas outsourcing.  I then began working with telecommunications.  I have been in telecommunications for 2 years, but am not happy in this field.  I would like to re-enter Accounting.  The problem I keep running into is the time away from the field.

I would like to apply for a job at a large health insurance company in my area who is seeking an Accountant.  The requirements ask for a Bachelor's Degree and states, "...1-2 years Accounting experience preferrable." 

What is the best way to write my resume and cover letter to land a job interview?  And what will I need to highlight in my interview to ensure I will get the job?  Are there any industry changes I should be studying to being myself up to speed in Accounting?  Although numbers and accounting itself never changes, I'm sure there are software skills I have missed out on over the last nine years.  How can I bring myself up to speed so that the nine year hiatus is less of a problem?

Thank you.