Cdk System Specialist

**Join the ride** **Position**: CDK System Specialist **Location**: AutoCanada Home Office (Hybrid), Edmonton, AB **Classification**: Full Time, Immediate Hire, Onsite/Hybrid **AutoCanada**is the largest Canadian owned and publicly traded automotive dealer group operating in Canada and the US. We are innovative, data-driven and our commitment to our Team Members, customers and operational excellence fuels our success. Our dealership Team Members are at the heart of our success, building long-lasting, trust-based relationships with customers across Canada. Our national network provides opportunities and support to build the career that’s right for you. Working here is fast-paced, non-stop, and a little unpredictable—and we love it. **Your area of focus.** **What drives your day-to-day?** - CDK Service Fixed Operations (Primary Focus) - Ensure correct setups for operational codes (op codes), online appointment systems, parts management, and service pricing within CDK Service. - Proactively manage and optimize setups to prevent missed online appointments. - Monitor and promote the effective utilization of electronic dispatching and CDK-based recommendations. - Drive standardization of system usage across all fixed operations departments. **CDK Accounting Back End (High Priority)**: - Serve as the central authority for all accounting setups, especially crucial with the move to centralized services, ensuring smooth and correct operations. - Standardize setups for deal posting, central posting, vendors, and customers across Deskit, 180, and Drive, ensuring consistent processing for deal input. - Manage and enforce the utilization of a standard chart of accounts and adherence to accounting guidelines, verifying correct financial postings. - Oversee the standard process for inventory posting, ensuring stores follow the guidebook and correcting non-standard practices that impact aging or accuracy. - Drive the adoption of modern accounting workflows (e.g., AOMD for purchase orders) and features like Vehicle Scan and Express Scan. - Identify and resolve issues leading to double work, duplicate entries, errors, and compliance risks (OEM, Provincial, DRIP pricing). **CDK CRM Variable Operations**: - Address instances of uncompleted tasks and promote CRM best practices for sales teams. **CDK Finance (F&I) (Supporting Focus)**: - Standardize F&I processes within CDK, focusing on contracting customers and managing ancillary products. - Work to reduce deal corrections by improving understanding and consistent use of the system by finance managers. - System Optimization & Support - Act as the Tier 2 support escalation point for complex CDK issues, analyzing open cases to identify underlying setup or usage problems. - Hold regular meetings with VODMs, FODs, Chief Controllers, and Finance Teams to provide product updates and receive process change updates. - Update system settings to align with new processes and business needs. - Directly engage with stores for system initiatives, pilots, and hands-on support in specific cases. - Develop and deliver "train the trainer" sessions and collaborate with the Learning & Development team on creating comprehensive training materials. - Proactively research and stay updated on all upcoming CDK releases, enhancements, and training materials, notifying relevant partners in advance. - Over time, transition towards a 90% proactive role, guiding strategy and optimization. **What are the must-haves** - Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Information Systems, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance) is preferred. - Former CDK employee strongly preferred, specifically a DMS Subject Matter Expert (SME) or Performance Manager equivalent. - Minimum 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience with CDK DMS is required. - Demonstrated SME level proficiency in CDK DMS (core system) is essential. - Strong working knowledge of CDK CRM and CDK Service. - Broad understanding of all core CDK products and modules (Accounting, Fixed Operations, Variable Operations, F&I). - Proven ability to translate complex business processes into effective CDK system configurations and workflows. - Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills for system issues. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to train and influence diverse audiences. - Highly self-sufficient, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities across different functional areas. - Strong organizational skills with an emphasis on standardization and efficiency. - Significant reduction in CDK-related errors, rework, and delays across accounting, service, and finance operations. - Increased utilization and return on investment from our CDK platform. - Direct contribution to streamlining operations, supporting the move to centralized services, and preparing for future acquisitions/divestitures. - Establishment of a reliable internal CDK knowledge base and support structure. **The P