Customs Compliance Associate (L1)

Customs Compliance, Associate

Reference #20432

Waterdown, Ontario

About the Role

Applies customs regulations to product classification, origin determination, inbound and outbound processes, internal and broker procedures. Supports implementation of policies and procedures in-line with customs requirements. Reviews import/export data to ensure compliance. Supports responses to customs related inquiries, non-conformance reports from internal stakeholders, external partners. Organizes and assists in training on customs requirements, internal policies and procedures, reviews, spot checks. Supports broker partnership and daily requests for information.

In this role, you are the primary change agent responsible for transforming WESCAM’s customs compliance procedures to align with best-in-class practices. You are expected to provide guidance to other business units in order to achieve this objective by identifying areas of process improvements and data quality metrics with internal stakeholders, as well as gathering quantitative performance measurements on external partners.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with trade compliance investigations, risk mitigation, audits and self-assessments.
• Increase Import/Export Customs / Trade Compliance awareness with internal stakeholder groups
• Assist in development/continuous improvement of customs compliance program for WESCAM supply chain network
• Interface with CBSA / and / or other governmental agencies as needed to comply with regulations and / or audit requirements
• Analyze inbound/outbound shipment activity data, trends and exceptions, present findings to aid continuous improvements and cost savings
• Work with internal and external partners to classify L3 WESCAM commodities with applicable USHTS and CDNHS codes and validate third party HTS/HS classifications
• Maintain a master list of tariff classifications with HTS/HS, including the applicable supporting documentation for classification; and provide regular updates to WESCAM Customs Broker and WESCAM Authorized Service Centers (WASC’s)
• Support Free Trade Agreement determination, non-FTA origin certification and record keeping
• Oversee Canada Customs related processes based on L3 Harris corporate policies and government requirements, document related procedures and training materials
• Support oversight of WESCAM’s customs broker activities, services and performance
• Respond to internal and external enquiries regarding classification, duty rates, documentation requirements, or other import, export customs related matters
• Facilitate import clearance and expedite final mile deliveries
• Work in conjunction with internal departments such as contracts, procurement, engineering and external parties as necessary

Required Capabilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, , and organizational skills
• Effectively manages multiple tasks and can prioritize to meet deadlines
• Passion for continuous improvement and education
• Proven track record as customs / trade compliance professional familiar with various modes of transportation, INCOTERMS
• Comprehensive understanding of Canadian import/export customs regulations
• Working knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Classification (Canada/US) and Free Trade Agreements
• Self-motivated with proven ability to work without supervision
• Attention to detail; competency in managing large set of data
• Ability to research information with minimal parameters given
• Demonstrated problem resolution skills
• Intermediate to advance computer skills

Desired Education and Experiences

• Requires broad theoretical job knowledge typically obtained through higher education.
• Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of prior related experience or 2 years post-Secondary / College Diploma and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
• Comprehensive experience with the following regulations: Canada’s Customs Act, Customs Tariff, D Memoranda,
• Familiar with Canada’s Export & Import Permits Act (EIPA), Canada’s Controlled Goods Program (CGP),
• Certified Customs Specialist
• Post-secondary education or equivalence in Business, Customs Compliance & Global Trade, Supply Chain or Logistics
• Min. 5 years of International Freight Operation and/or Customs Compliance experience
• Prior supply chain / compliance management experience preferred