CDK System Specialist

Join the ride!

Position: CDK System Specialist

Location: AutoCanada Home Office, Edmonton, AB

Classification: Full Time, Immediate Hire

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.

We are seeking a highly specialized and critical CDK System Specialist to join our dynamic team. This role is essential for driving the optimal utilization, configuration, and support of our CDK Drive Dealer Management System (DMS) and its integrated modules across all dealerships. The ideal candidate will serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for CDK Service Fixed Operations, Accounting, CRM Variable Operations, and Finance (F&I), ensuring system efficiency, data integrity, and user proficiency. This role requires exceptional expertise in CDK products and will evolve to prioritize proactive system optimization and strategic initiatives, aiming to significantly reduce reactive support over time.

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
• Maximize utilization of the CDK CRM tool, focusing on effective use of emails, templates, the search tool, and task management.
• 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 Perks.

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package
• Employee Vehicle Purchase & Service Plans
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs
• Company-wide appreciation events and contests throughout the calendar year
• Professional development and the opportunity to grow your career
  
  

And those are just the basics. We strive every day to create a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusivity, ensures fairness and equal opportunities, and fosters a sense of belonging for all Team Members. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively support everyone in expressing themselves and reaching their full

Can you picture yourself here already?

We hope so. It’s equally as important that you choose us as we choose you. Take a sneak peek at what we think makes this one of the best workplaces around.

If you think you’re a good fit to come along on our ride, apply now through our website at www.autocan.ca/careers. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our commitment extends to reaching out to individuals from various backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate based on gender identity, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or mental/physical disabilities. AutoCanada is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter.

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