Customs - Senior Import Specialist

Farrow, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuehne+Nagel Group, is headquartered in Windsor, Canada. Farrow brings to the global trade industry over 110 years of expertise in cross-border customs brokerage, import/export trade compliance consulting, and integrated logistics services (international freight forwarding/global supply chain management, warehousing/distribution, and ground transportation). With operating locations across Canada and the United States, Farrow manages over 800 employees with 28 offices and warehouses, including those of acquired company Link+ Corporation.

Position Summary

The Senior Rater is primarily responsible for analyzing clients’ daily reports and upcoming shipment information to determine the tariff, duty and tax rate, as well as preparing entries as needed. This position may also be responsible for conducting quality control audits of completed entries and providing coaching and feedback regarding errors, regulations, etc.

Key Responsibilities (Supervisory/Materials/Information)

• Analyze shipment documentation to ensure it is complete and correct. Review client’s database instructions and written regulations. Determine correct tariff classification, tariff treatment, and valuation method and application tax rates. Maintain and adjust database.
• Contact client and/or client vendors to obtain information for proper tariff classification
• Perform quality control functions to ensure staff complete transactions accurately
• Provide feedback to team members regarding results of quality control, in order to reduce errors in the future
• As a senior team member, provide coaching and training to peers
• Answer communications and provide information to external sources
• Communicate with government agencies to ensure compliance and advise clients on regulations
• Build client relationships
• Enter shipment data into system for release and monitor arrival and release of freight when required
• Keep track and follow-up on dated entries
• A variety of other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Secondary school education or equivalent experience

• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) in good standing
• Minimum of five years general customs brokerage experience customs with at least three years of comprehensive rating experience
• Note: Consideration will be given to holders of appropriate diplomas or qualifications from other institutions or organizations (e.g. Sir Sandford Fleming or Seneca Colleges, Canada Customs Qualified, etc.)

Competencies, Working Skills & Attributes

• Strong knowledge of Customs Tariff, Explanatory Notes, General Rules of Interpretation, regulations, release initiatives, ACROSS systems and ocean release processes
• Excellent attention to detail; able to make recommendations
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal in order to communicate clearly and concisely with coworkers, other departments and clients
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Tactful and dependable

Working Conditions, Mental Effort & Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time

• Ability to focus on computer screen and / or written materials for extended periods of time
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
• Must work under deadline and related stresses in a timely and efficient manner
• Must be able to professionally handle various situations as they arise
• Must be able to work some statutory holiday and/or Saturday shifts (if required)

Farrow is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.