batonking-

My first recommendation may be something you've already tried. Look at Monster and comparable job listing websites and apply to small to mid sized firm. When you interview, you can stress your maturity and the fact that, since you are approaching this career with more life experience, you feel you have a firmer grasp on its requirements (and you're more likely to be a long-term employee). I have hired many non-traditional employees in our audit practice and most have turned out well.

As far as other approaches, contacting the HR departments directly is the way to go. Its more of a challenge (in my experience) to get an employer to pay a recruiting fee for someone with no accounting experience, regardless of the life experience factor.

Hope this helps, best of luck!!