Jay Rickards FMAAT AATQB

 Hi, I'm Jay and the Founder of Hi Altitude. 

My background.

My career began at 17 with a national furniture manufacturer, followed by an award winning legal software and training provider. After my second son was born, I took a break from accounting to join my mum’s wedding photography business. It was an incredibly rewarding experience and gave me the flexibility I needed at a time when part time opportunities were much harder to find.

When I returned to accounting, I worked with businesses in the energy and waste sector, financial services, construction, charities and many other industries.

Working with such a diverse range of businesses has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my career. Every business has its own challenges, opportunities and way of operating, and understanding those differences is what inspired me to create Hi Altitude. I wanted to build an accountancy practice that adapts to the client, rather than expecting every client to fit into the same mould.

After completing my AAT qualifications and becoming a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, I knew I wanted to continue developing my knowledge. I went on to study with ACCA, one of the world’s leading professional accountancy bodies, where I achieved the Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business, along with the Ethics and Professional Skills certification.

Alongside running Hi Altitude and supporting clients across Stamford, Oakham, Peterborough, Grantham and the surrounding areas, I also work with a local charity and serve as Finance Director for a Rutland based carpentry and building company.

What drives me...

 I’ve always been passionate about helping business owners understand their numbers, not just producing accounts after the event.

For me, accounting is about looking ahead. Understanding profit, cash flow and future performance gives business owners the confidence to make informed decisions and grow sustainably. The clearer you are on where your business is today and where it’s heading, the easier it becomes to make the right choices.

Whether that’s through cloud accounting software, Excel or a combination of both, there’s always a way to create meaningful financial information. I have extensive experience with Sage, Xero, QuickBooks and advanced Excel, allowing me to recommend solutions that genuinely suit each client.

No two businesses are the same, and neither are their budgets or goals. Some clients need ongoing support, while others simply need help as and when they need it. Being flexible and tailoring my services around each client has always been important to me.

I also believe the best client relationships are built on trust, honesty and good communication. Accounting should feel like a partnership, where we learn from each other and work together towards long term success.

Some personal stuff

Outside of work, I’m lucky to be mum to two sons, who are now both adults. Family time means everything to me, and I’m always looking ahead to the next adventure or holiday on the bucket list. Catching up with family and friends is always time well spent.

The gym and swimming and running help keep me balanced and have become non negotiable parts of my life.

In recent years I’ve also learned to wakeboard and snowboard, and I reached red belt in Taekwondo, though I'm steering away from activities that can break my bones now.

I’m happiest outdoors, whether that’s a long walk in the countryside with a well earned pub stop, or spending time in the garden.

I love reading a good novel with a cup of tea and a chocolate digestive...wine has its important place too.

Cooking, DIY projects, gardening, music events and anything creative are all things I genuinely enjoy.

Friends describe me as easy going, practical and someone who doesn't chill out much, always looking for the next project and gets things done. 

If I ever found myself stranded on a desert island, my essentials would be a good bikini, a hammock, Malbec, chocolate and plenty of cheese.