Customs Compliance Specialist

Company Description

The objectives of Customs and Trade Compliance are:

• To secure import and export processes anchored with excellence in operations and a culture of compliance that supports strategic goals within the global customs organization and aligned with IKEA vision, strategies and directives.
• To develop and secure strategic partnerships internally and externally that drive change, secure compliance and support operational excellence to achieve that support the business goals.
• To be the trusted resource within the assigned region making Customs and Trade compliance accessible to all internal and external stakeholders. 
• Proactively share information with key stakeholders and provide reliable and timely responses that support the customs operations. 

Compliance means to secure all declarations are accurate and complete and made in compliance with local requirements and regulations as well as with internal controls. It includes partnering with key stakeholders to secure all cross-border shipments can be imported or exported compliantly.

Job Description

• Responsible for day-to-day compliance activities and operations within in Customs and Trade Compliance function, including, but not limited to post entry/re-taxation, HS code classification, bonded/FTZ, drawback, free trade agreement programs and utilization, and expansion into new markets, as well as other government agency enforcement requirements through customs authorities.
• Serve as direct liaison with customs authorities specific for daily compliance activities and special regulatory procedures and programs such as free trade agreements, post entry / re-taxation filings, disclosures, request for information and drawback. Provide support to customs operation team with regulatory requirements as needed.
• Collaborate with ISAG Customs and Trade Compliance and/or Customs Compliance Manager in assigned geographical location to establish and maintain controls that ensure compliance and mitigate risks of non-compliance. Lead or support the resolution of customs compliance issues as they arise.
• ​Together with ISAG Customs and Trade Compliance and/or the Customs Compliance Manager, in assigned geographical location, establish and maintain compliance procedures, working methods, and systems/tools requirements. 
• ​Assist Customs and Trade Compliance activities in the areas of audits, ADD/CVD investigations, rulings, court cases, as well as single window initiatives.
• Lead or support periodic self-reviews and audits and provide assistance with external customs audits as needed.
• Provide customs and trade advice to key stakeholders and projects to integrate customs and compliance into IKEA‘s value chain, delivering both compliance and cost reduction.
• Contribute to IKEA Requirements and Compliance working groups (PRIO/CRIO) in IKEA, when needed and anchor results in working methods with ISAG, Customs Process Development, customs operation and country customs team assigned within the region.
• Ensure tariff number accuracy within the assigned geographical locations where an Inter IKEA legal entity is the importer of record, using the 4-eye principle. Manage day to day classification activities, including tariff disputes. Identify required other government agency import/export requirements associated with assigned classification and supplier/origin. Ensure these requirements are communicated within the IKEA value chain and operations.
• ​Assist in defining requirements and testing for customs tools and solutions that support compliance with legal requirements. Provide support with regulatory interpretation and gap analyses of current working methods and solution configuration.
• Contribute to customs expansion projects to ensure compliance readiness before the start of customs operations.
• Build strategic relationships and networks with internal and external business partners, including Customs or Government officials/agencies, to minimize risk and maximize customs and trade benefits, supporting compliance and improving operational efficiency to lower costs.  
• In collaboration with ISAG and manager in assigned region conduct customs related training and education programs to enhance customs compliance awareness, knowledge and capabilities in IKEA and among suppliers.
• ​Maintain up to date regulatory knowledge and analytical skills to adapt to changes in business, regulations or systems change to meet the business needs.

Qualifications

Essential

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Customs and Compliance activities.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field from an accredited college/university, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government regulations, customs, international business and import compliance within assigned geographical locations.
• Experience working with external authorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and interpersonal skills.
• Abilities to exercise tact, restraint and discretion in handling critical and confidential issues.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.

Preferred

• Licensed customshouse broker, certified compliance specialist or profession trade compliance certification where applicable.
• Experience in customs operations or a leadership role.
• Customs experience across multiple countries is a strong advantage.
• Experience in other supply chain operations or logistic units is an advantage.
• Experience in internal auditing or project management is a plus.