Tax Senior, Customs & International Trade

BDO USA, Llp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO USA, LLP seeks a Tax Senior in Customs & International Trade to advise clients on import/export matters. The role uses research and regulatory knowledge to identify issues and opportunities across multiple industries.

You will work with Firm specialists to deliver trade-related insights, manage client expectations, and mentor junior staff while building strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Two+ years of import/export trade consulting experience required.
• CPA, Attorney, EA or licensed customs broker preferred.

Responsibilities

• Researches, writes, and reviews international trade advice.
• Researches U.S. and international import/export matters.
• Formulates trade savings opportunities.
• Mentors Associates and Interns; conducts training.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Client service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics or related field

Juris Doctorate / LLM / MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

RIA / BNA / Lexis Nexis

Job description

Job Summary:

The Tax Senior, Customs & International Trade is responsible for utilizing basic research skills and applying their educational background to identify potential trade issues and opportunities. This role provides advice to clients in a variety of industries on import and export matters.

Job Duties:

Technical Duties:

• 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
• Formulates 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 and 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:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field, required
• Juris Doctorate degree, LLM, and/or MBA, preferred

Experience:

• Two (2) or more years of experience in the field of import/export trade consulting as a customs attorney, customs broker, industry trade specialist, US Customs auditor or import specialist, required

Licenses/Certifications:

• CPA certification, Attorney (admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction), Internal Revenue Service Enrolled Agent(“EA”) or licensed customs broker (or the equivalent of one of these designations), 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
• Capable of effectively 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: $73,500 - $131,250

Maryland Range: $73,500 - $131,250

NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $73,500 - $131,250

Washington DC Range: $73,500 - $131,250

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.

As technology continues to shape how we work, BDO values the ability to apply generative and agentic AI solutions to develop work products, improve workflows and identify potential risks. Across our firm, we emphasize professional judgment in validating AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, and compliance.

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.

Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits.

*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets