A seasoned Customs Compliance professional who has successfully implemented and maintained compliance across various programs and databases, ensuring adherence to governmental regulations and fostering a culture of compliant practices.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Customs Compliance
Specialist
Flexport Inc
San Francisco, CA
09.2018 - Current
Collaborated extensively with brokerage and operations teams on customs compliance initiatives in a fast-paced startup environment.
Developed and conducted internal training programs to educate brokers on compliant practices for handling customs business.
Facilitated the onboarding process for new employees from various departments providing them with a comprehensive understanding of customs brokerage.
Authored a weekly newsletter for the brokers, highlighting changes in regulations and relevant customs industry news.
Worked closely with engineers to make sure they were building compliant product/platform enhancements, improving broker filing tools, and enhancing the client app experience.
Served as a subject matter expert addressing customs brokers and internal stakeholders help desk queries on a wide range of topics including; penalties, classification, trade strategies, POA’s, PGA holds/compliance/registrations, ACE Reporting FTA’s, Forced Labor, Section 301, post entry, CF28/29, etc.
Managed penalty mitigation for the United States, as well as reviews for Power of Attorney agreements redlines.
Developed a streamline process for resolving duty imbalances in a timely manner.
Assisted compliance teams in multiple countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, in implementing broker audit systems.
Customs Compliance Specialist
LVMH, Benefit Cosmetics
San Francisco, CA
02.2017 - 08.2018
Created and implemented a customs compliance program from scratch for a company with no customs controls in place.
Established systems and created an internal database to ensure accurate customs details were declared on SKUs that were imported/exported. Each component was given HTS/ECCN classification, FDA product information, Origin, Free Trade Eligibility, Assists, & Related Parties, and Manufacturer information.
I filed a prior disclosure documenting all errors that occurred from the previous 5 years, and implementing fixes to prevent them going forward.
Successfully implemented a manufacturing duty drawback program, generating significant revenue from the company bringing the company $1.3m on the first claim, and then $500k annually.
Navigated a CBP audit on USMCA claims and had the fine reduced by proving many of the goods were eligible, which led to the creation of a new verification process determining our eligibility for USMCA.
Wrote and implemented a compliance manual to ensure adherence to CBP regulations.
Handled all US, CA, & EU customs issues that came up.
Customs Compliance Analyst
Williams Sonoma Inc
San Francisco, CA
07.2013 - 02.2017
Applied HTS classification for multiple countries in 48 different chapters of the tariff including textiles, household goods, furniture, cookware, food and beverages for all brands under their umbrella (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Mark & Graham, & Rejuvenation)
Collaborated with procurement teams to devise tariff engineering strategies aiming to lower landed costs for the company. Recommending changes that would lower duties by utilizing a Free Trade Agreement, using different materials or different sizes, the country of production, etc.
Managed free trade agreements, phytosanitary certificates, food declarations, lacey declarations, food declarations, and all PGA holds/inspections.
Oversaw exports from the US to stores in Australia, Canada, & UK.
Handling documentation and providing declarations, certificates, and other import/export documents necessary for facilitating trade.
Assisted our brokers, distribution centers, and vendors in trouble shooting situations with all types of goods.
Fulfillment Lead
ALOM Technologies
Fremont, CA
01.2012 - 07.2013
Worked as a fulfillment lead in the warehouse where I managed freight, customer shipments, and inventory controls.
Led a team of seven employees, ensuring accurate and timely order picking and assembly.
Handled inventory controls and day to day warehouse fulfillment procedures.
Customs & Logistics Associate
Quiksilver Inc
Huntington Beach, CA
04.2007 - 10.2011
Assisted in getting a Customs audit fine reduced by $500k providing proof of correctly marked samples.
Conducted invoice reconciliations for freight, trucking, and import invoices saving the company on overcharges.
Reconciled entry data and monitored issues with our customs broker. Reported all discrepancies for post entry filings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications & Media, Business
California State University Monterey Bay
Monterey, CA
Customs Brokerage License
US Department of Homeland Security
12.2016
Certified Customs Specialist
NCBFAA
02.2018
Skills
Authored professionally published articles
Managed a team
Trained new teammates/new hires on complex customs topics
An engaging attitude that makes people enjoy the workplace more
Ability to learn new applications and systems quickly
Flexible with ad-hoc projects
Timeline
Sr. Customs Compliance
Specialist
Flexport Inc
09.2018 - Current
Customs Compliance Specialist
LVMH, Benefit Cosmetics
02.2017 - 08.2018
Customs Compliance Analyst
Williams Sonoma Inc
07.2013 - 02.2017
Fulfillment Lead
ALOM Technologies
01.2012 - 07.2013
Customs & Logistics Associate
Quiksilver Inc
04.2007 - 10.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Communications & Media, Business
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