High-Low with a CFO: Ervin Alliu

In our latest High-Low with a CFO, we had the chance to sit down with Ervin, the Head of Finance at Isar Aerospace – a company on a mission to disrupt the space industry. Isar Aerospace is a privately funded European company that aims to make launching small and medium-sized satellites accessible to a global market. By enabling access to space, Isar Aerospace aims to contribute to humanity’s progress and our planet’s sustainable technological and economic development

In this interview, Ervin takes us through his unconventional journey in finance and shares the thrills and challenges of growing a space startup.

Interview:

Ben from CFO Connect: Thanks for sitting down with us, Ervin! Let’s start with the basics. What are some finance tools or technology you couldn’t live without?

Ervin: In today’s world, finance tools are embedded in every aspect of the finance function. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say OCR tools are indispensable. They allow companies to automate data extraction, especially in areas like Accounts Payable, cutting out manual data entry. Then, of course, there are accounting consolidation tools, which are crucial if you're managing multiple entities, especially across borders with different accounting systems. Planning tools are also essential—especially when integrated with other tools (Accounting, Dashboards, Excel, etc). And while there’s some debate about ERP systems, they’re still fundamental, particularly in companies that operate in asset-heavy industries. You’ll rarely find an established company operating without one.

Ben from CFO Connect: What’s the biggest business mistake you’ve learned from?

Ervin: In order to judge whether a business decision was a mistake or not, more often than not, you need to look at the long-term effect it had on a company. One of the most significant mistakes I’ve seen at some of my past companies is failing to prioritize the right initiatives. It’s easy to get sidetracked by various projects, but at the end of the day, focusing on the key drivers of growth is what truly matters. Not paying enough attention to what really impacts the business is a mistake that can take years to recover from.

Ben from CFO Connect: What do you think is the most telling financial metric for a company’s health?

Ervin: It really depends on the company and the industry. I’ve worked in various sectors—everything from energy to travel, vertical farming, and aerospace—and the metrics can differ vastly. For online service companies, it might be metrics like LTV (Lifetime Value) or CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), especially if the company is focused on scaling revenue quickly. For startups that aren’t yet generating revenue, the focus could be on long-term growth potential and technology development. The key is to make sure you understand the business context and whether the metrics you’re tracking still align with your goals.

Ben from CFO Connect: If you weren’t in finance, what career path could you have seen yourself exploring?

Ervin: As a kid, I always had two dreams: either to be a football manager or an astronaut. I loved the idea of managing a team, making complex decisions, and bringing up the best of people. I was also deeply fascinated by space, especially after watching Armageddon in the ‘90s—who didn’t want to be Bruce Willis saving the planet? 

So, even though I haven’t ended up working directly in those fields, so far (who knows, probably in a couple of years I get a call from Bayern Munich to manage their team!), I like to think my current role allows me to merge both, by managing an amazing team and being as close as possible to space!

Ben from CFO Connect: How does it feel to work in a field as transformative as aerospace, and how does that connect to your personal values?

Ervin: Working in aerospace is exhilarating. It’s not just about building technology; it’s about solving the kind of big, complex problems that can change the world. Space exploration is at the forefront of addressing climate change and sustainability, especially through satellite-enabled technology. The potential for real-time insights into global systems, like weather or emissions tracking, is truly transformative. Aerospace is about making things possible that seemed impossible just a few decades ago, and that drives my passion for working in this field. I’m proud to be involved in an industry that’s working on solutions with a lasting, global impact.

Ben from CFO Connect: How do you stay adaptable as a finance professional, especially in an industry that’s constantly evolving with new technologies?

Ervin: Staying adaptable is all about staying informed and open to new ideas. I constantly keep up with developments in both finance and technology, particularly in the startup world. I subscribe to newsletters, read articles, and take courses in emerging areas like blockchain (few years back) and AI—especially in finance. Having an understanding of the latest tools and technologies helps me stay ahead. I’m also a member of networks like CFO Connect, where I can exchange insights with peers in the field. But perhaps the most important aspect is having a mindset of continuous learning. In our fast-evolving world, it’s crucial to always be asking questions and exploring new ways to solve problems.

Ben from CFO Connect: What’s your “why” for working in finance, especially in an industry like aerospace that’s both transformative and focused on sustainability?

Ervin: My “why” is rooted in a passion for innovation and creating lasting change. Aerospace, in particular, offers the opportunity to be part of something truly exciting. From a personal and career point of view - working in the complex “world” of how to design, build, and launch a space rocket, it’s not an opportunity you get every day, right? Also, we’re not just building for the sake of technology—we’re solving global challenges. Satellite technology can provide real-time data on everything from climate change to global communications, which is a huge driver for me. It’s not just about finance—it’s about being part of an industry that’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, while also keeping an eye on sustainability and long-term impact.

Ben from CFO Connect: How is your approach to financial planning different in space exploration compared to other industries?

Ervin: Financial planning in aerospace is unique because the industry is still evolving, and many of the technologies and business models we work with are new. For instance, we’re dealing with projects like building for the first time (in the history of our company) a launchpad or launching satellites, which means we often have to build financial models from the ground up. These models can’t always be based on historical data, so we rely a lot on assumptions that need constant adjustment as we gather new information. It's very much an iterative process. We also have to stay flexible because new technologies and external factors—like government regulations or space exploration breakthroughs—can dramatically change the financial landscape at any time.

Ben from CFO Connect: What personal values do you bring to your leadership style?

Ervin: Curiosity is at the core of my leadership style. I love to explore new ideas and constantly push for better solutions, especially in startup environments where things are moving fast and every decision counts. Persistence is another key value—there will always be setbacks, but it's crucial to keep your eye on the long-term vision and not get bogged down by challenges. Lastly, open communication is critical. I believe in creating a culture where people feel empowered to share ideas, ask questions, and raise concerns. When everyone is engaged and communicates freely, the whole team thrives.

Ben from CFO Connect: Do you have a golden rule for making strategic financial decisions?

Ervin: I always say: think like an entrepreneur. Treat every decision as if you’re the owner of the business. This mindset helps balance innovation with caution. You have to be bold in pursuing opportunities, but also prudent in how you approach risk. It’s about making calculated decisions that align with the long-term goals of the business.

Ben from CFO Connect: What’s your favourite way to unwind after a challenging day?

Ervin: After a long day, hitting the gym helps clear my head, and then enjoying a good meal is the perfect way to unwind. But when life isn’t so hectic, I try to spend quality time with family and friends. For me, the best way to recharge is by traveling. I love visiting new places and immersing myself in different cultures. It offers a fresh perspective and helps me reset.

Ben from CFO Connect: What’s your favourite place you’ve visited?

Ervin: Kyoto, Japan. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but Kyoto stands out. The mix of culture, history, and food is incredible. The first time I was there, I was completely amazed and this winter, I plan to explore the southern parts of Japan as well. Every visit feels like a new adventure, and I love the vibe of Japan in general.

Ben from CFO Connect: What’s the worst piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Ervin: “Your manager is always right.” I think that’s terrible advice. Nobody is always right. I encourage my team to challenge me - and other people in the organization. When everyone is willing to speak up, it opens the door for better solutions and continuous improvement. A healthy challenge is key to growing as a team and as a company.

Ben from CFO Connect: And the best piece of career advice?

Ervin: The best advice I’ve received is to always keep the big picture in mind. It’s important to think one step ahead, whether that’s considering how a decision impacts your manager, or even the CEO or the board. When you can think beyond your current role, it helps you make decisions that align with the company’s long-term goals.

Ervin boasts over 15 years of experience in Corporate Finance, Treasury, FP&A, Tax, and Accounting. His experience involves designing and executing strategies to establish Finance functions tailored for fast-scaling startups and scale-ups, ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence. Ervin’s expertise in building and scaling teams, implementing systems and processes from scratch, and driving change management initiatives has been instrumental in managing the financial complexities of companies at the cutting edge of the aerospace industry and beyond.