Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade

BDO USA; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO USA is seeking a Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade to advise clients on import/export matters across industries. The role emphasizes identifying trade issues, providing guidance, and developing strategies that optimize tax positions while supporting business growth.

You will lead business development, collaborate with internal specialists, and mentor Associates and Interns. A strong foundation in international trade policy, GAAP tax concepts and excellent communication are essential

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD/LLM/MBA preferred.
• Five+ years of import/export trade experience required.
• CPA and/or JD preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong analytical and research skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on import/export trade matters and tax strategy.
• Develop ideas and transactions to optimize client tax positions.
• Research international trade regulations and HS codes.
• Collaborate with firm specialists and client service teams.
• Lead internal training and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Juris Doctorate / LLM / MBA

Tools

Microsoft Office

RIA

BNA

LexisNexis

Job description

Job Description

A Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade is responsible for advising clients on and identifying potential trade issues and opportunities providing advice to clients, in a variety of industries, on import and export matters. This role will be charged with marketing, networking and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and recognizing potential changes in tax policy and applying new policies pertaining to customs and international trade matters.

Job Summary

A Tax Manager, Customs & International Trade is responsible for advising clients on and identifying potential trade issues and opportunities providing advice to clients, in a variety of industries, on import and export matters. This role will be charged with marketing, networking and business development within his/her area of experience and specialization and recognizing potential changes in tax policy and applying new policies pertaining to customs and international trade matters.

Job Duties

Technical Duties

• Assists clients and BDO client service teams in developing ideas, structures and transactions with a focus on customs and international trade matters – to optimize the tax position for clients
• Researches, writes, and reviews international trade advice in areas relating to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, customs federal regulations, NAFTA, entry processes, and customs valuation
• Researches U.S. and international import and export trade matters
• Identifies need for other expert resources, internal and external, to assist when necessary to introduce opportunities for tax savings for clients and prospective clients
• Understands, develops and maintains workplans for tax consulting projects
• Assists with the implementation of Firm tax strategies
• Formulate ideas and delivers possible trade savings opportunities
• Works with other Firm specialists and client service teams on client and proposal work
• Organizes and conducts effective internal CPE training sessions in the area of specialization
• Establishes relationship with BDO customs experts in jurisdictions throughout BDO International
• Identifies opportunities for and assists in drafting tax alerts in international customs and global trade tax matters
• Assists in managing client expectations
• Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises the day-to-day workload of Customs and International Trade Associates, Senior Associates Interns on assigned engagements and reviews work product
• Delivers periodic performance feedback and completes performance evaluations for Associates and Interns
• Acts as mentor to Associates and Interns, as appropriate

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree, required
• Juris Doctorate degree, LLM, and/or MBA, preferred

Experience

• Five (5) or more years of experience in the field of import/export trade consulting required, as a customs attorney, customs broker, industry trade specialist, US Customs auditor, or import specialist, required

License/Certifications

• CPA and/or JD, preferred

Software

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint, required
• Experience utilizing RIA, BNA, Lexis Nexis, required

Language

• N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and basic legal and tax research skills including building models and analysis of financial and numerical data
• Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
• Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
• Capable of working in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Capable of effective managing a team of tax professionals and delegating work assignments as needed
• Capacity to build and maintain strong relationships with client personnel
• Ability to successfully interact with professionals at all levels
• Basic understanding of the technical and practical issues and opportunities regarding one or more areas of taxation and law

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.

National Range: $79,800 - $168,000

Maryland Range: $79,800 - $168,000

NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $79,800 - $168,000

Washington DC Range: $79,800 - $168,000

About Us

At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you’ll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.

Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.

BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you’ll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.

We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we’re building together.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

BDO USA, P.A. is an EO employer M/F/Veteran/Disability