Job Purpose
The Auto Finance Manager is a specialized financial expert responsible for delivering competitive finance and lease options to meet customers' business needs. This role acts as an intermediary between the sales department, manufacturers, and finance companies to provide optimal solutions for selling and financing equipment. Once an order is secured, the Finance Manager handles credit approval, document preparation, and transaction funding.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Market Analysis and Strategy
- Collect market intelligence and assess competitors’ offerings.
- Propose proactive strategies and programs to lead the market.
- Relationship Management:
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with finance companies
Training and Development:
- Develop training tools for the finance team to enhance their knowledge.
- Conduct training sessions on processes and procedures.
- Credit and Documentation
- Gather credit information on customers.
- Prepare credit packages and submit them to local funding sources.
Customer Needs and Sales Support:
- Understand and identify customer needs through a consultative and proactive sales approach.
- Prepare and deliver timely reports to management.
- Coordinate with sales representatives to create and provide retail-financing quotations.
Dealer Support:
- Provide professional representation, including training for dealer management and support personnel on merchandising and financing programs.
- Advise dealer personnel on tax law changes and finance concepts (e.g., discounted cash flow, time value of money, interest computation, and financial accounting).
Customer Relations and Transaction Management:
- Establish quality customer relations by explaining transaction quotations, collecting credit information, answering technical questions, and obtaining final customer acceptance of transactions.
- Ensure customer signatures on documentation, collect initial payments, and secure necessary insurance information for contract completion.
Market and Relationship Development:
- Continuously evaluate growth areas and potential new markets for financing opportunities.
- Assist in developing positive working relationships with the sales department, finance companies, and manufacturers.
Collections and Documentation:
- Collect outstanding invoices on equipment and communicate collection issues with the sales department.
- Maintain up-to-date and complete credit files and contract copies.
- Provide input for developing sound credit policies, processes, and procedures.
Team Collaboration:
- Collaborate with the sales and collection team to support delinquent accounts and close deals.
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements:
- Strong financial acumen with knowledge of accounting principles, key financial tools, and terminology.
- Ability to multitask while being highly meticulous to meet all deadlines.
- Effective team player with strong ethical and professional behavior.
- Experience in managing support personnel and fostering a proactive and engaging culture.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and TValue.
- Strong detail-oriented, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
- Willingness to travel to customer sites as needed.
Education and Experience:
- BA/BS in Finance or Business, or equivalent related professional experience required.
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience in auto finance, sales collections, or account management; experience in heavy equipment is preferred.