[Hiring] Customs Compliance Specialist @Aston Carter

Role Description

The Customs Compliance Specialist provides hands-on support for day-to-day U.S. import and customs compliance activities. This role independently manages customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, co-packers, internal finance teams, and regulatory clearance issues with minimal training. The specialist ensures accurate and compliant import documentation, timely customs clearance, and effective coordination across internal and external stakeholders.

• Review co-packer and import documentation for completeness, accuracy, and customs compliance, and enter and maintain shipment details in internal systems.
• Work directly with customs brokers and freight forwarders to facilitate timely entry and clearance of U.S. imports.
• Monitor and review CBP ACE activity, support monthly duty statement reconciliation and payment, and ensure customs invoices are submitted for accounts payable processing.
• Manage CBP and FDA holds, exams, and document requests, including obtaining and providing product labels and supporting clearance documentation.
• Handle international and sample shipments moving through FedEx, DHL, UPS, and other couriers when they are subject to CBP or FDA review.
• Reconcile Maersk, broker, forwarder, and other import-related statements, research unidentified or outstanding invoices, and drive resolution of discrepancies.
• Investigate customs valuation or currency discrepancies and coordinate post-entry and post-summary corrections when required.
• Maintain accurate and compliant import records and escalate regulatory risks, clearance delays, duty discrepancies, and documentation gaps as needed.
• Coordinate closely with Logistics, Procurement, Finance/AP, suppliers, co-packers, and external service providers to ensure smooth and compliant import operations.
• Independently organize, track, and follow up on multiple open import issues, deadlines, and action items using internal tools and Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience using CBP ACE, including reviewing activity and supporting duty statement reconciliation and payment.
• Practical experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders to manage U.S. import entries and clearances.
• Direct experience reviewing and managing U.S. duty statements and payments, including reconciliation and issue resolution.
• Strong knowledge of import documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and air waybills.
• Working knowledge of HTS/HTSUS classification, customs valuation principles, and determination of country of origin.
• Experience resolving FDA and CBP holds or exams, including responding to document requests and coordinating inspections.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office, with the ability to independently organize and track multiple import issues and deadlines.
• Solid understanding of U.S. import compliance and trade compliance practices.

Requirements

• Experience with products regulated by the FDA, such as food, confectionery, consumer products, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals, strongly preferred.
• Experience with post-entry and post-summary corrections for customs entries preferred.
• Experience managing international courier shipments through FedEx, DHL, UPS, and similar providers when subject to CBP or FDA review preferred.
• Previous experience in customs invoice reconciliation and resolving discrepancies with brokers, forwarders, and carriers preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling documentation, financial statements, and regulatory records.
• Ability to work independently with minimal training and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced import environment.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external service providers.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Company Description

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence.