Declarant at Mitchell Cotts

Overall Role Purpose: 

• This is an important role within the business unit. The holder is expected to ensure that accurate, timely and efficient IDF applications, entry registrations, generation of consignment documents and computation of taxes for PFI are done to support Clearing & Forwarding and the company’s overall objective of providing satisfactory service delivery.

Scope & Background:

• The job entails carrying out efficient customs operations — accurate tax computations, application of IDFs, registration of entries, generation of various stakeholders’ Consignment Documents (CDs), updating of the SCM ProFit system, and general customs operations and requirements. The role calls for dedication in making accurate declarations to avoid penalties arising from wrongful declarations, which may lead to disputes, delays and even loss of clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Check the correctness of import documents before processing of IDFs and customs entries.
• Compute tax estimates.
• Advise clients on clearance processes and request pending information, details or documentation when needed.
• Advise clients on HS codes and their respective duty rates.
• Confirm HS codes to be used for application of Import Declaration Forms (IDFs) and customs entries.
• Ensure all prerequisite documents are available before embarking on customs declaration.
• Apply IDFs on the KENTRADE and ICMS systems.
• Declare customs entries — imports, warehousing and transit.
• Generate KEBS, Port Health, plant import permit and Radiation Board consignment documents.
• Confirm payable taxes before and after customs entries are registered.
• Handle minor customs declaration queries with KRA — Documentation Processing Centre (DPC) and at the Container Freight Station level.
• Follow up with KRA, KenTrade and other government agencies for approval of entries, IDFs and permits.
• Highlight any anticipated declaration or documentation challenge that may expose the client or company to penalties or fines.
• Update activities and upload documents in SCM ProFit.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Bonds & Customs Manager.

Competencies Required

• Ability to effectively understand all customs operations.
• Excellent reporting and controls.
• Competency in technology.
• Business acumen and operations knowledge.
• Effective team player who can establish excellent relationships and partner with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to influence others and make sound decisions based on objective data and strong analytical skills.

Knowledge & Skills Required

• Strong attention to detail.
• Organization skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Critical and analytical thinking.
• Communication skills.
• Ability to influence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Diploma in Clearing & Forwarding, Shipping, Tax Administration or any logistics-related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a declaration role.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in holding conversations with customers and giving progress reports.
• Thorough knowledge of customs legislation, tariffs, import/export documentation, customs clearance, bond management and customs declaration.
• Knowledge and understanding of clearing and forwarding regulations.
• Well conversant with port operations procedures.
• Good knowledge of government procedures relating to imports and exports, and customs laws pertaining to Kenya and East Africa.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good supervision skills and a strong team player.
• Flexible in work habits and schedules.
• High integrity and ethical practice.
• Commitment to operational effectiveness.
• Knowledge of MS Office packages.