Today we’d like to introduce you to Werner Angell-Schau.
Hi Werner , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m not just a bookkeeper; I’m a former hospitality business owner who’s been in the trenches. I know firsthand what it’s like to run a business where the days are long, the margins are tight, and every decision matters. I’ve built and managed multiple hospitality ventures, from bustling cafes to event spaces, and I understand the constant juggle between serving customers, leading a team, and trying to keep the numbers in check.
Over time, I realized that so many passionate business owners were struggling not because they lacked drive or creativity, but because the financial side felt overwhelming. That’s when I shifted gears. I took my hands-on industry experience and combined it with my love of numbers to help other business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. Today, I specialize in bookkeeping and financial systems tailored for the hospitality industry, because I truly get what’s behind every menu, booking, and event: a business owner doing their best to make it all work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We had worked hard to build a life in South Africa. Our businesses, our homes, our community, it was all we knew. But the world was changing. The pandemic had left many of us questioning what truly mattered. The riots, the economic uncertainty, the instability, it all piled up. The once-vibrant environment had shifted, and we felt the weight of it in ways we couldn’t ignore. Our hearts yearned for something more, something different, something that would allow us to provide a better life for our children, a life of opportunity, safety, and new horizons.
Selling our businesses was one of the most difficult choices we made. Letting go of something we’d built from the ground up was heart-wrenching. But we knew it was the right decision. The security we once had was no longer guaranteed, and the thought of starting fresh, even if daunting, brought with it a sense of hope. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but it was one born out of a desire for a new beginning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I provide CFO-level insights and a hands-on approach to help business owners make smarter decisions and move their business forward.
I help business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. After 15+ years helping business owners buy and sell businesses, I saw firsthand how messy books hold businesses back.
I specialize in industries like landscaping, real estate, hospitality and more, offering hands-on support. I also partner with CPAs and business brokers to deliver accurate financials and a seamless client experience.
What Sets Me Apart?
I don’t just number-crunch, I partner with business owners and understand the high-pressure, fast-paced world of running a restaurant.
Growth & Exit Planning for Hospitality
Whether you’re opening your next location or preparing to sell, I help you structure your finances for long-term success.
We’ve Been in Your Shoes
Our team includes former restaurant owners and operators. We understand your margins, seasonality, and what it takes to stay profitable.
Real-Time, Proactive Financial Insights
You can’t afford to wait. I give you up-to-date numbers and forecasts so you can make smart decisions fast, like adjusting labor or inventory before it’s too late.
Customized, Hands-On Support
No cookie-cutter solutions. I tailor my services to your concept, whether you’re a quick-serve startup or a fine-dining institution.
Clear Communication
You shouldn’t need an accounting degree to understand your books. We give you straight talk, regular check-ins, and zero surprises.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think luck has shown up in my story in unexpected ways, both good and bad. There have definitely been moments when timing seemed to be on my side: meeting the right people at just the right moment, landing an opportunity I hadn’t even planned for, or discovering a new path when something else didn’t work out.
But I’ve also had my fair share of “bad luck” moments, those times when things didn’t go as planned, when a business took a hit, or when I had to start over. Looking back, though, those challenges were just as valuable. They forced me to adapt, learn faster, and build resilience.
So, I’d say luck has played a role, but what’s mattered most is how I’ve responded to it. The good luck opened doors, and the bad luck taught me how to walk through them stronger and smarter.
Pricing:
- – our pricing is tailored to each business
- – its affordable
- – it’s an investment into your business
- – our consultations are free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ultimate-bookkeeping.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultimate.bookkeeping
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltimateBookkeeping
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/werner-books/
