Customs Senior Associate – Tax & Regulatory Services at KPMG

Key roles and responsibilities

• Performing engagement management activities including engagement set up, resource planning, billing analysis, invoicing and collection.
• Completing engagement and client KYC risk assessments as per KPMG guidelines.
• Providing advice to clients regarding customs and excise duties.
• Assisting clients in case of an audit or other investigation by the customs authorities.
• Negotiating tax rulings.
• Assisting clients with the determination of the correct tariff classification of imported goods and provide input regarding the validity of the customs value.
• Assisting clients with Customs administrative requirements.
• Helping clients develop and implement an effective customs and trade management strategy
• Building and managing client relationships
• Developing and managing own client portfolio.
• Being the contact person and client liaison with respect to communications with Regulators and Authorities.
• Preparing reports.
• Simultaneously implement multiple projects which involves client interviews, computations, analysis, data gathering and coordination of KPMG and client resources
• Drafting opinion letters, responses to Revenue Authority inquiries, Revenue Authority ruling requests and writing other technical memoranda.
• Liaising with client’s finance/accounting departments and tax advisors to gather pertinent facts for analysis of tax risks
• Interacting and supporting tax discussions with cross functional teams such as Tax, IT, Audit etc.
• Preparing Tax BU training presentations aimed at external and internal audiences.
• Researching and consult on various tax matters to build technical competence, develop business and industry expertise.
• Supervising, training and mentoring associates and interns on Customs projects
• Assessing performance of staff for engagement reviews; perform in-charge role as needed.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Academic/Professional qualifications and Experience:

• Business related Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• Must have a minimum of 4 years of working experience in customs.
• Professional qualifications e.g., ACCA, CPA are highly desirable.
• Post Graduate Diploma/ Masters in Customs or any professional qualification in Customs from an accredited college/university will be an added advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access along with experience performing internet research.
• Experience in customs in an accounting/ law firm, and/or corporation, will be an added advantage.
• Skills, and comfort interacting with C-level professionals
• Excellent advisory and compliance skills
• Good knowledge of Customs tax laws, rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of accounting information systems and Tax tools.

Personal attributes:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and the ability to articulate complex information.
• Ability to build positive relationships with team members and clients.
• Ability to handle simultaneously multiple engagements and client service teams.
• Flexibility in prioritizing and completing tasks.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to work under supervision and learn new skills quickly.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.