Import Controller

Our client is looking for an Import Controller to join their team. Contribute to an effective service delivery through the handling, monitoring, and control of Ocean Import shipments from start to finish within required specifications and in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Carry out the opening of shipment files including allocating a shipment file number, establishing and obtaining landside and transport rates, third-party service provider costs, and quality assuring that the rates on the shipping line invoice are in accordance with the company buying rates.
• Ensure all documentation including confirmation of the shipment details are obtained and provided to the clearing department, and that the consignee has been appropriately notified and status report updated.
• Gather cargo and origination information, buying and selling rates from the relevant office and finalize, agree, and arrange the shipping method with the client and international offices.
• Facilitate a responsive turnaround time and internal handover of documents by monitoring cargo arrival against the bookings with the shipping lines and ensuring order/indent facilitation.
• Interact with clients to keep them informed by notifying them of the arrival of shipments and provide general assistance to Controllers in respect of updating Event Controls and capturing data in Cargowise 1.
• Assist in the timely and efficient closeout related to shipments by tracking and tracing client shipments from indent to P.O.D. and invoice payment.
• Provide general administrative support and backup to the Import team in ensuring client requirements are met.
• Obtain completed clearing instruction from the client and timely advise the clearing agent/client to forward the original bill of lading to the handover file for further processing. The Controller must verify information on BL/HBl against the information on Invoice and Packing list prior to submission to the Customs clearing team.
• Establish and develop strongly valued relationships with all carriers, agents, and clients with the purpose of increasing confidence in and the reputation of the business, driving brand awareness and loyalty.
• Ensure that all activities in the area of responsibility are compliant with company-specific regulations.
• Ensure all accruals for the individual shipments are captured and accurate in the month of the revenue recognition of the file. Any demurrage and detention should be accrued for prior to actual invoices being received.
• Ensure all client queries/complaints are resolved timely and in a manner that satisfies the query/complaint.

Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills
• Meeting of deadlines
• Microsoft Office – Outlook, Excel

Qualifications:

• Ensure customer commitments are met and exceeded
• Comprehensive knowledge of the forwarding and clearing industry, Incoterms, and customs requirements
• 8-10 years’ experience in Import Freight Services