Associate 2, Trade & Customs

About the Role

The Tax Global Delivery Network (GDN) works closely with KPMG’s Global Tax leaders to translate business requirements into a clear global delivery strategy for delivery centers that supports the needs of global KPMG solutions in Tax. It also creates and operates an interoperable, seamlessly integrated network of Global Delivery Centers to enable globally consistent delivery.

As we scale and build out the center, we are looking for an Associate 2 to assist with day-to-day trade compliance functions for the Global Trade and Customs (GTC) Managed Services solution. The objective of this capability is to build a global managed services centre for product classification, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Post Entry Review (PER) solutions that drives technology enabled standard processes that delivers consistent, high quality and continuously improving processes for efficiency and effectiveness of our solutions bringing together the best KPMG Trade and Customs has to offer at a global scale with local expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and review data related to Trade & Customs operations.
• Conduct research and collect product engineering and manufacturing specifications.
• Assist with record keeping and electronic file maintenance, using internal retention databases.
• Review and audit transactional documents related to customs entries.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Interact with US team effectively when required.
• Share tools and best practices with supervisors/manager.
• Meet client SLAs and deadlines, and put in long or weekend hours if needed.
• Primary responsibilities may include HS classification, Solicitation, Restricted-Party Screening, Post-Entry Reviews and other trade compliance activities.
• May get involved with ad-hoc projects to improve the understanding of Trade Compliance processes.
• Deliver timely and quality services that meet or exceed client and team manager expectations.

HTS Technical Competencies

• Responsible to assign Harmonized Tariff Scheduling code for various industries.
• Strong product knowledge on different industries such as Medical, Apparel, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Automotive commodities, etc.
• Good understanding on GRI, Chapter/Section/EN Notes.
• Ability to interpret CROSS/BTI and draft rationale for classification.
• Experience in classifying goods under Chapter 84, 85 and 90.
• Demonstrate experience in developing/working on semi-automated HTS tool.
• Classification Analyst is expected to work independently with some assistance.

FTA

• Solicit suppliers for free trade agreements (USMCA, CAFTA, KORUS, etc.) and country of origin.
• Monitor and follow-up with supplier solicitations.
• Review supplier responses for accuracy and maintain up-to-date trackers.
• Maintain appropriate recordkeeping to support free trade claims.
• Make calls to suppliers for faster solicitation responses when required.
• Audit solicitation accepted campaigns on a weekly basis.
• Coordinate with Lead/Manager to identify process improvements based on monthly KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science/Commerce degree from an accredited college or university. Master's degree will also be considered.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite Applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in trade compliance.
• Administrative or data processing experience, preferably within a professional service environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to work individually and in a team environment.
• Strong commitment, ability to multi-task, and be a team player.
• Dedicated to superior client service.
• Highly proficient in communication skills and excellent analytical skills.
• Willing to work across different business lines (HTS, FTA, PER, RPS) based on demand.
• Remain professional when challenged ethically by clients/offices.
• Take part in trainings related to technology evolution.
• Work independently with minimum assistance/supervision.
• Understand the process in whole and articulate your part in the task performed.
• Keep up to date with technical trainings and cross training, develop and maintain network with colleagues.
• Provide updates on process issues/changes to team members to avoid repeat errors.
• Seek feedback on work delivered, own and be accountable to receive feedback.
• Accountable for self-submission of time to client codes.
• Own the responsibility of discussions/connects with US client contacts.
• Validate data for risk and accuracy purposes.
• Understand the client and how KPMG adds value.
• People management skills with demonstrated ability to build a transparent and cohesive team.
• Work collaboratively with clients and deliver quality services by enforcing quality and KPMG standards.