Curriculum
Curriculum
INTRODUCING
The Box Method: A-to-Z Automotive Finance Training
Kicks off December 15th, 2025 🚀
Your fast track into the finance office begins here!
In just 4 weeks, you’ll master the exact system top Business Managers use to get approvals, close deals, and lead with confidence.
⚡ Seats Are Extremely Limited
Don't miss your chance to accelerate your automotive career—secure your spot in the box, today!
What You'll Get:
4 Weeks of Self-Paced Training
Full Finance Manager Roadmap
Weekly LIVE Q&A with Jessica
Exclusive Insider Access
Total value: $3,998
December Price:
$2,998 (Pay in Full)
OR
$1,649 today + $1,649 Nov 13
Explore the Full Curriculum for
The Box Method™ Professional Automotive Finance Program
MODULES 1-3
Foundations of Automotive Finance
MODULE 1: Industry Overview & Opportunities
LESSON 1: Automotive Finance in Canada
Explore how new vs. used dealerships operate and understand the differences between prime and subprime business models. Gain clarity on how the finance office drives dealership profitability and customer experience.
LESSON 2: Vehicle Makes, Models & Trims
Learn why trim levels, features, and equipment packages matter in deal structure and lender decisions. Understand how to identify strong vehicle profiles that support both approvals and profit.
LESSON 3: Market Dynamics
Compare new vs. used and prime vs. non-prime lending environments in today’s market. Discover how broader economic trends impact your daily workflow, approvals, and deal strategies.
LESSON 4: Jessica’s Journey
Hear how Jessica built her career from beginner to top Finance Manager through resilience, consistency, and process mastery. Learn the mindset shifts that create long-term success in automotive finance.
LESSON 5: Dealership Organization & Structure
Understand how dealership departments work together and where the finance office fits into the full sales cycle. Learn who you collaborate with daily and how those relationships impact your performance.
MODULE 2: Finance Office Role & Responsibilities
LESSON 1: Role of the Finance Manager
Master the expectations, duties, and pace of the business office beyond the job description. Learn how finance supports customers, sales staff, lenders, and dealership leadership all at once.
LESSON 2: The Finance Manager’s Daily Workflow
Learn how to prioritize deals and tasks when everything is time-sensitive and urgent. Build a structured approach that keeps paperwork moving cleanly and efficiently.
LESSON 3: Customer Interaction Strategies
Develop communication habits that create a smooth, professional customer experience. Learn how to balance transparency, efficiency, and relationship-building under pressure.
LESSON 4: Compliance & Legal Responsibilities
Understand the compliance standards required in Canadian auto finance and why accuracy matters. Learn how to protect the dealership — and yourself — through clean paperwork and honest processes.
LESSON 5: Building Trust Through Transparency
Create strong working relationships by communicating clearly with customers, managers, and sales teams. Learn why upfront honesty strengthens both approvals and long-term reputation.
MODULE 3: Credit Fundamentals & Scoring
LESSON 1: The Credit Application
Collect complete and accurate customer information to set the deal up for success. Learn how clean applications reduce declines, delays, and lender pushback.
LESSON 2: Credit Report Anatomy
Break down every section of a bureau and understand what lenders look for. Learn how to interpret payment patterns, trade lines, and risk indicators.
LESSON 3: Score Interpretation & Risk Assessment
See beyond the score and learn to judge true risk based on the customer’s full credit story. Understand how credit behavior influences lender decisions and approval strength.
LESSON 4: Canadian Credit Bureau Differences
Compare Equifax and TransUnion reports so you know which bureau to trust and why. Learn how each bureau reports differently and how to navigate discrepancies.
LESSON 5: Red Flags & Green Lights
Identify early signs of strong or weak credit, potential fraud, and approval challenges. Learn how to spot opportunities and risks before sending deals to lenders.
MODULES 4-6
Automotive Industry Tools & Systems
MODULE 4: Credit Bureau Platforms
LESSON 1: Intro to Credit Bureaus
Understand why credit bureaus exist and how lenders use them in decision-making. Learn how bureau data influences approvals, rates, and deal structure.
LESSON 2: Dealertrack Basics — Inputting a Credit Application
Learn how to enter applications cleanly and accurately to avoid declines and re-submissions. Master the fields that matter most for clean lender approvals.
LESSON 3: Pulling Credit: When, How, Why
Learn best practices for timing, consent, and compliance when pulling bureaus. Understand how improper pulls create internal and lender issues.
LESSON 4: Credit Bureau Analysis — Reading the Story Behind the Score
Interpret bureau data like a lender to predict approval outcomes before sending a deal. Learn to identify income issues, payment habits, and lending patterns.
LESSON 5: Debt Servicing from a Bureau
Calculate debt servicing ratios directly from bureau data to determine affordability. Learn how lenders view monthly obligations and use DSR to shape approvals.
MODULE 5: Dealertrack Navigation & Mastery
LESSON 1: Setup & Customization
Customize Dealertrack settings to streamline your workflow and reduce errors. Learn where key tools and shortcuts live within the system.
LESSON 2: Deal Entry Best Practices
Follow proven steps for entering deals cleanly so lenders receive accurate files. Learn how small entry errors can cause major approval delays.
LESSON 3: Navigating the Platform
Learn where to find payouts, lender guidelines, forms, and previous deals quickly. Understand how to move through the system smoothly under pressure.
LESSON 4: Troubleshooting Issues
Fix common errors, timeouts, and login problems without stopping the deal flow. Learn how to work through technical issues with minimal downtime.
LESSON 5: Advanced Features & Shortcuts
Use hidden tools and shortcuts to work faster and reduce repetitive tasks. Learn how advanced navigation improves accuracy and speed.
LESSON 6: Accessing Rate Sheets & Lender Info
Keep lender rate sheets and programs at your fingertips inside Dealertrack. Learn how to use this information to build stronger, cleaner deal structures.
MODULE 6: Lender Relationships & Guidelines
LESSON 1: Major Canadian Lenders
Learn the unique strengths, preferences, and approval styles of the top lenders in Canada. Understand which customers fit with which banks.
LESSON 2: Navigating Requirements
Read program sheets and lender guidelines confidently so you avoid declined deals. Learn how to match structures to each lender’s expectations.
LESSON 3: Relationship Building
Build strong, mutually respectful relationships with lender reps for better support. Learn how communication affects approvals and long-term trust.
LESSON 4: Guideline Updates & Booking Values
Stay updated on booking values and program changes that impact daily deal flow. Learn how outdated information leads to preventable declines.
LESSON 5: Negotiation & Rate Shopping
Learn ethical ways to negotiate rates, terms, and exceptions without damaging relationships. Understand how to position your ask to get lender support.
MODULES 7-9
Deal Strategies & Structures
MODULE 7: Foundations of Deal Evaluation
LESSON 1: What Can and Can’t Get Approved (Prime vs Non-Prime)
Learn what lenders in each lane will and won’t approve based on vehicle, credit, and structure. Understand how to pivot quickly to save deals before they die.
LESSON 2: Canadian Black Book (CBB) as a Tool
Use CBB values to assess trades, negative equity, and lender-fit vehicles. Learn how book values support cleaner approvals and protect the dealership.
LESSON 3: Carfax Fundamentals
Read Carfax documents properly to identify accidents, usage history, and red flags. Learn how accurate disclosure protects you, the dealership, and the customer.
LESSON 4: Evaluating Deal Viability
Combine bureau data, CBB values, and Carfax into a simple evaluation method. Learn how to spot strong, weak, and unworkable deals in minutes.
LESSON 5: Case Study Snapshots
Apply your evaluation skills to real-world examples and build intuition through repetition. Learn how to assess deals quickly and confidently under real conditions.
MODULE 8: Leasing Strategies & Structures
LESSON 1: Leasing vs. Financing — What’s the Real Difference?
Understand how leasing differs from financing in structure, payments, and long-term cost. Learn how to match each option to the right type of customer.
LESSON 2: Handling Lease Objections & Credit Challenges
Learn how to pivot when customers don’t qualify for a lease and address common concerns. Turn objections into conversation points that build trust.
LESSON 3: Lease Endings & Buyouts — Closing the Loop
Understand the full lifecycle of a lease from delivery to maturity. Learn how to coach customers through inspections, buyouts, and return options.
LESSON 4: Real Lease Example — Analyzing a Lease Agreement
Walk through a real lease agreement line by line to explain it confidently. Learn how to identify key sections customers typically misunderstand.
LESSON 5: Lease vs. Finance Breakdown — Numbers That Tell the Story
Compare payments, taxes, buyouts, and long-term cost differences clearly. Learn how to use the numbers to guide customers naturally toward the right choice.
MODULE 9: Deal Structuring, Approvals & Contracts
LESSON 1: Real Deal Walkthroughs & Lender Selection
Break down real deals to decide which lender is the strongest match. Learn how structure, credit, and vehicle type influence lender fit.
LESSON 2: Documentation Requirements (POI, Work Visas, Company Financing)
Know exactly which documents lenders require for different customer profiles. Learn how clean documentation speeds up approvals and reduces conditions.
LESSON 3: Bills of Sale, Taxes, Cash Deals & Full Disclosure
Master every line of the Bill of Sale and understand BC tax rules thoroughly. Learn how to handle cash deals and exemptions without errors.
LESSON 4: Presenting Approvals, Contracts & the Delivery Process
Present approvals and contracts with clarity and confidence so customers understand every step. Learn how to ensure all signatures match and the paperwork is fully compliant.
LESSON 5: Funding & Complete Deal Packages
Build complete deal jackets that fund quickly without back-and-forth corrections. Learn the documents lenders expect and how to avoid common funding delays.
MODULES 10-12
Automotive Finance Mastery
MODULE 10: Product Menu Presentation
LESSON 1: Intro to the Menu — Why Structure & Flow Matter
Understand why menus must be presented on every deal to stay compliant. Learn how a structured flow builds trust, transparency, and clarity.
LESSON 2: Core Products Overview
Learn what each aftermarket product covers and why customers benefit from them. Understand how lenders view products inside a deal structure.
LESSON 3: Menu Presentation Techniques
Move from feature dumping to clear, story-based product explanations. Learn how to connect products to real customer needs without pressure.
LESSON 4: Handling Objections
Respond to objections calmly and ethically so customers feel understood, not pushed. Learn how to keep conversations open and value-focused.
LESSON 5: Maximizing Per-Deal Revenue
Use compliant strategies like bundling and sequencing to increase revenue naturally. Learn how strong presentation flow leads to stronger acceptance.
LESSON 6: Guest Insights
Hear how leading providers think about protection and claims in the real world. Learn how to position products with honesty, transparency, and confidence.
MODULE 11: Advanced Sales Psychology & Influence
LESSON 1: Behavioral Sales Psychology
Learn how customers make decisions emotionally before logically. Understand subtle cues that reveal hesitation, confidence, or objections.
LESSON 2: High-Level Communication & Influence Skills
Develop advanced control over tone, pacing, and phrasing to guide conversations. Learn how to reset tension, re-engage, and maintain calm authority.
LESSON 3: Persuasion vs. Pressure — Ethical Influence
Understand the difference between healthy persuasion and high-pressure tactics. Learn how to influence confidently without crossing compliance lines.
LESSON 4: Transitioning from Sales to Finance
Hear the real story of transitioning into finance from a seasoned professional. Learn the habits, mindset, and systems that lead to early success.
LESSON 5: Nervous System Regulation & Peak Performance
Learn how to manage stress, pressure, and rejection inside the finance office. Build tools that help you stay regulated and consistent on high-volume days.
MODULE 12: Finance Office Mastery & Career Growth
LESSON 1: Warranty Systems & In-Service Dates
Navigate warranty portals and coverage levels confidently. Learn how accurate in-service data prevents errors and ineligible contracts.
LESSON 2: Contract Signatures & Legal Compliance
Understand exactly where signatures and initials belong on every form. Learn how to correct mistakes properly without breaking compliance.
LESSON 3: Post-Funding & Audit Readiness
Organize deal jackets to meet audit standards and reduce funding issues. Learn what lenders look for after delivery and how to stay audit-proof.
LESSON 4: Advanced Funding Scenarios & Troubleshooting
Handle funding delays, missing documents, and lender corrections professionally. Learn how to communicate issues early and maintain strong relationships.
LESSON 5: Career Growth & Professional Reputation
Learn the key performance metrics that determine long-term success in finance. Build habits and relationships that support promotions and new opportunities.
BONUS MODULE
FROM LEARNING TO LEADING
LESSON 1: The Transition — From Learning to Leading
Learn how to take everything you’ve studied and apply it confidently in the real world. Enter the finance office prepared, structured, and ready to grow.
LESSON 2: Landing the Role — Positioning Yourself as a Trained Professional
Communicate your value clearly using your certification as a competitive edge. Learn how to handle the “experience” objection with confidence.
LESSON 3: Your First 90 Days — Building Credibility, Systems & Confidence
Set up your systems, paperwork, and workflow for a strong start. Learn the habits that create trust with sales teams, lenders, and management.
LESSON 4: Real-World Mentorship & Deal Support
Use ongoing mentorship and The Box community for real-time deal help. Learn how to grow faster through direct support and continued learning.
LESSON 5: Long-Term Success & Reputation
Understand how professionalism, ethics, and consistency build a respected career. Learn how your performance metrics become your long-term signature.
LESSON 6: The Graduate Mindset — Launching Your Career
Take action with confidence as you enter the industry fully trained. Learn how to present yourself proudly and leverage your certification for real opportunities.
And most importantly — "keep thinking outside the box.”
Financial Investment
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
$2,998
Total Value: $3,998
2-payment plan
$1,649
x 2 instalments
Testimonials
"Jessica's deep understanding of the finance process, combined with her ability to communicate and lead, makes her exceptionally well-suited to train the next generation of finance advisors.
I have no doubt her training academy will deliver real-world value and help others succeed tremendously in this industry."
—Carlson, Sales Associate
"What I admire most is Jessica's relentless drive—“no” is simply not in her vocabulary when it comes to helping her clients succeed. Whether it’s finding solutions, restructuring financial plans, or simply offering sound advice, she makes things happen.
I trust her fully, and I would recommend her with my eyes closed to anyone looking for real financial guidance. She is not only an expert in her field but also a kind, reliable, and an incredibly trustworthy person."
—Jen Turcious, Client
"As a retired lawyer and real estate investor I am always watching for attention to the importance of not just detail, everyone talks about that; I pay attention to the substance, depth, and quality of execution of the tasks at hand. Jessica does all three with brilliance."
—Arnold Fine, B. Comm JD
MEET YOUR TRAINER
Jessica Ward
Top-Performing Finance Manager
Founder & Lead Instructor
The Box Automotive Finance Academy
"I’ve built the systems, trained the people, and done the work — and now I’ve built the roadmap for others to follow."
When I first entered the automotive industry, I had no experience — just drive, determination, and zero clue what I was walking into.
I helped build a dealership from the ground up and stayed there for the next 11 years — something that’s nearly unheard of in this business.
But in those early days, I cried almost every day.
The pressure was intense, the learning curve was brutal, and while I had some guidance it wasn't enough.
I had to figure it all out the hard way, through trial and error and sheer resilience.
I eventually rose to become the Senior Finance Manager, leading one of the top-performing finance departments in the country.
Over the years, I’ve trained countless new hires from scratch — something I was proud to do, but it came at a cost.
Every time I took someone under my wing, it meant working double: teaching while still closing deals, managing risk, and keeping up with the non-stop pace of the store.
It was overwhelming — and it revealed a major flaw in our industry:
there is no clear, scalable way to train new Finance Managers without burning out the ones already in the seat.
That’s why I created The Box Automotive Finance Academy—to bridge that gap.
Our mission is to solve one of the biggest problems in the automotive industry: preparing the next generation of Finance Managers without pulling valuable time and focus from the ones already in the chair.
And this isn’t theory—I’m not someone who left the business a decade ago. I’ve been in it, day in and day out, up until now.
I know exactly what the role demands today, because I’ve lived it.
THINK OUTSIDE
THE BOX.
SUCCEED INSIDE IT.
Frequently Asked Questions
💼 What exactly does a Finance Manager do in a dealership?
A Finance Manager is responsible for structuring deals, securing loan approvals, presenting finance and insurance products, and ensuring all paperwork is legally compliant and accurate. They're the closer — working directly with customers and lenders to finalize vehicle purchases and boost dealership profitability.
📈 How much money can Finance Managers really make?
Top-performing Finance Managers in Canada routinely earn $150,000 to $200,000+ per year, depending on dealership volume and skill. The position is one of the most profitable roles in the store — and The Box Method is built to help you step into that seat.
🧠 I’ve never worked in automotive before — is this program for me?
Yes! The Box Method is designed for beginners and experienced dealership staff alike. If you’re new to the industry, we’ll walk you through everything from credit basics to deal structuring. If you already work in sales or support, this is your next step forward.
🛠️ What tools and systems will I learn?
You’ll be trained on real industry platforms, including:
Dealertrack (Canada’s leading finance portal)
Equifax & TransUnion (the two national credit bureaus)
Plus, you'll learn how to navigate lender guidelines, present product menus, and build strong bank relationships.
📅 Is the training live or self-paced?
To start, The Box Method will be offered as a live cohort program with virtual sessions led by Jessica Ward. This allows you to get real-time feedback, ask questions, and simulate actual deal scenarios.
Recordings and resources will also be available for review at your pace.
🚘 I already work at a dealership — how will this help me move up?
This program is built to fill the gap between where you are and where you want to go. If you're a Sales Consultant, BDC Rep, or Receptionist who’s been eyeing the finance office, this course will give you the skills and confidence to transition into the role — and show your leaders you're ready.
🧾 Will I get a certificate or proof of completion?
Yes. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion, which you can present to potential employers or dealership leadership. We also provide coaching on how to position your new skills during interviews or internal promotions.
🤝 Can dealerships enroll team members in the program?
Absolutely. Dealer Principals and GMs are encouraged to use The Box Method as a streamlined way to develop internal talent without pulling current Finance Managers off the desk to train others.
💳 How much does it cost?
The investment for The Box Method will be announced on launch day — but know this: for a role that pays six figures, the training will be priced as an accessible, high-value career accelerator.
Step into The Box
Whether you're building your team or becoming the next one in the chair, The Box was made for you — with real experience, real structure, and a whole lot of heart.
Think outside the box. Succeed inside it.
© 2025 The Box Automotive Finance Academy. All Rights Reserved.
Made with ❤︎ by heyKIRI in Vancouver, BC
Why the Finance Office?
The finance office isn’t just a department — it’s the dealership’s profit engine.
Top Finance Managers routinely earn $150K+, with the best making $200K+.
You’re not just closing deals — you’re driving the business.