Trade Compliance Analyst

Audi USA; Great Falls Crossing (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Customs Compliance Specialist to ensure adherence to import/export regulations and optimize FTZ operations. This role involves daily classification activities, liaising with brokers for customs clearance, and leading audits to maintain compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a comprehensive understanding of customs processes, and the ability to work independently. Join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in trade compliance and make a significant impact in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in customs-related field.
• Working knowledge of customs valuation rules and FTZ operations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and FTZ operations.
• Lead entry audits and provide technical assistance for compliance issues.

Skills

Analytical and conceptual thinking

Communication skills

Computer savvy

Integration

Influencing and negotiation skills

Problem solving

Initiative

Detail Orientation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business

Licensed US Customs Broker

Tools

SAP/ERP - MM & PP

MS Office

Job description

Role Summary:

Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations concerning: classification, valuation, quantity, origin declaration, Free Trade Agreement eligibility, ongoing process maintenance, FTZ processing and weekly entry, training and other areas as identified by the business.

Role Responsibilities:

FTZ Operations & Processing – 90%

• Daily HTS classification activities for parts and equipment
• Daily FTZ operational processing including, but not limited to, in-bonds and e-214 processing, validation, special vehicle processing, weekly entry, Month Close processing, Post Entry
• Liaise with broker on import/export customs clearance, to ensure that import and export activities are executed timely and accurately
• Lead and conduct entry audits to determine import/export compliance
• Lead search initiatives for duty reduction opportunities on Misclassification of Parts and Customs Rulings.
• Provide support to Supply Chain to ensure least cost duty minimizing alternatives to global sourcing decisions
• Maintain internal control programs for import and export compliance
• Research and provide technical assistance in interpretation of laws/regulations, product description, harmonized tariff codes, country of origin and for the resolution of all import/export compliance issues for the region/country.
• Provides technical expertise to FTZ regarding the admission, entry, inventory control, export and destruction of the FTZ materials.
• Reviews FTZ Annual Board Reports and Annual Reconciliations, and ensures timely submission/notification to the regulatory agencies.
• Interact with the business, brokers, vendors and service providers to ensure compliance and good standing with all governments' trade compliance programs for which VW is a member.
• Positively represents VW to government agencies as required.
• Provide detailed, accurate reporting to management on a daily basis or as requested
• Work in collaboration with Purchasing and Suppliers to verify country of origin status for Free Trade Agreement purposes.
• Vehicle Removal Approvals /Prototype Vehicle Tracking/Reminder Emails
• Customs leader for Eworkflow changes and adjustments for permanent and temporary removals
• Continuously develops and maintains extensive knowledge of multimodal/global freight forwarding and customs clearance requirements.
• Adheres to US customs retention guidelines and maintains all necessary documentation in electric and/or hardcopy format for respective timeframes.
• Understands and maintains knowledge of US and various foreign customs regulations, import and export limits, and requirements.
• Understands export requirements for different countries and Group Brand worldwide customers and also ensures vehicle are exported according to regulations and guidelines.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned

Financial Reporting and Special Programs Support – 10%

• Understanding and support as directed with Customs Duty Accruals Process, Duty Projections, Duty Impact Analysis Reporting, and Tariff reporting
• Acts as point of contact for C-TPAT portal and provide support as directed for C-TPAT annual security validation
• Other tasks and duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Years of Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in customs related field

Education - Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Political Science, or equivalent experience

Education - Desired:

• Licensed US Customers Broker

Skills:

• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Communication skills – interpersonal/presentation/written for all levels of management and support staff
• Computer savvy – proficient/advanced in all areas of MS Office
• Integration – joining people, processes or systems
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Problem solving
• Initiative – self-starter, ability to work independently
• Detail Orientation – demonstrated record of precision and integrity

Specialized Skills - Required:

• Working knowledge & practical experience with customs valuation rules, reconciliation concepts, entry audits, clearance procedure, classification rules and PGA requirements.
• Working knowledge & practical understanding of Duty Drawback, FTA
• Demonstrated knowledge of FTZ processing and operations
• Working Knowledge of Logistics operations, Inventory flows, MRP and database management;
• Solid understanding of purchasing, accounting and goods receipt inter-relationships
• Working knowledge of basic manufacturing and inventory processes
• Understanding of Logistics operation processes, Inventory flows, MRP and database warehouse management;
• Understanding of purchasing, accounting and goods receipt relationships;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, select audit samples & write result reports
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to locate varied sources of information & apply information obtained
• Has to be able to understand various IT system landscapes and how they interact and impact the overall Customs process.
• Must be able to establish strong working relationship with VWGoA Chattanooga Plant IT colleagues for both direction and assistance with Customs IT objectives.
• Must be able to drive IT processes and projects to completion.
• Must have strong audit and test skills to confirm system solutions are both robust and accurate

Specialized Skills - Desired:

• Licensed US Customs Broker
• Microsoft Office Proficiency
• Exposure to Data Warehouse Processing
• Working knowledge of SAP/ERP – MM & PP

Work Flexibility:

• Work schedule based on business requirements (minimum forty hours per week) including occasional Saturday and overtime, core work hours 8AM – 5:00PM.
• Occasional after work hour availability may be required for model launches, major model changes, and expedited freight of critical material for production line
• Occasional travel (average 2-3 times per year) for business & training, possibly to international locations.
• Occasionally walk, stand, or stoop and be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Commonly sit at a desk or table.

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

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