KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. Our purpose is to inspire confidence and empower change. With a notable footprint across Africa, our East Africa practice spans Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, delivering world-class services that help our clients navigate complex regulatory environments, stay ahead of the competition, and achieve sustainable success.
In East Africa, our Nairobi office serves as the regional coordinating hub. It provides a strategic base for service delivery to our clients across the region, ensuring consistency, innovation, and responsiveness. Through our multidisciplinary teams, cutting-edge solutions, and global connections, we remain committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations.
KPMG Advisory Services Limited is currently seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and qualified individual to join our Tax Business Unit as a Customs Senior Associate – Tax. This role offers a challenging, rewarding, and dynamic work environment for professionals eager to develop their careers at a leading global firm.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and duties of this position:
Position: Customs Senior Associate – Tax
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Firm: KPMG Advisory Services Limited
Department: Tax Business Unit
Application Deadline: 09 April 2025
Application Email: [email protected]
Reference: Customs Senior Associate – Tax
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The Customs Senior Associate – Tax will be expected to engage in a wide range of strategic, technical, and client service responsibilities. This position requires a deep understanding of customs processes, compliance requirements, and advisory practices.
1. Engagement Management Activities
- Oversee the full lifecycle of client engagements including initial setup, resource planning, billing analysis, invoice preparation, and collections.
- Act as a primary liaison for project management coordination and ensuring deliverables are met in a timely and quality-focused manner.
2. Client Risk Assessments and KYC Compliance
- Execute engagement-specific and client-level Know Your Customer (KYC) and risk assessments in strict compliance with KPMG’s internal guidelines.
- Ensure appropriate documentation and approvals are secured before proceeding with client engagements.
3. Customs and Excise Advisory
- Offer expert guidance to clients on matters related to customs duties, excise regulations, import/export laws, and international trade.
- Aid in the strategic planning and compliance of customs regulations to minimize exposure to risks and enhance operational efficiency.
4. Audit and Investigations Support
- Provide dedicated support to clients undergoing audits or investigations by customs authorities.
- Represent client interests effectively in responding to customs inquiries, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
5. Tax Ruling Negotiations
- Support clients in negotiating favorable tax rulings with customs and other regulatory bodies.
- Engage with relevant authorities to interpret and apply rulings accurately in the client’s context.
6. Tariff Classification and Customs Valuation
- Assist clients in identifying the correct Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification for imported goods.
- Evaluate customs values and ensure appropriate pricing methods are applied, thereby avoiding under-valuation or over-valuation disputes.
7. Regulatory Administration and Compliance
- Help clients in managing administrative requirements associated with customs processes, including obtaining licenses, preparing declarations, and maintaining records.
- Monitor changes in customs laws and update clients on their implications.
8. Trade Management Strategy
- Advise clients on the development and implementation of robust customs and trade management strategies that support business operations and compliance.
- Identify risk areas and suggest mitigation strategies.
9. Client Relationship Management
- Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with clients by providing value-driven solutions.
- Take ownership of managing client expectations and ensuring overall satisfaction.
10. Portfolio Management
- Develop and manage a personal portfolio of clients, with responsibility for delivering engagements, monitoring performance, and identifying new business opportunities.
11. Regulatory Communication
- Serve as the main contact for all communications between clients and regulatory authorities.
- Draft official responses and manage correspondence with customs offices and other relevant agencies.
12. Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare clear and comprehensive reports, opinions, and advisory documents based on thorough analysis and research.
- Ensure all outputs meet KPMG’s standards for quality and compliance.
13. Project Implementation
- Execute multiple projects simultaneously, including data gathering, conducting client interviews, performing analyses, and coordinating resources across both KPMG and the client organization.
- Prioritize tasks effectively to meet strict timelines without compromising quality.
14. Technical Advisory and Documentation
- Draft legal and technical opinion letters, responses to revenue authority inquiries, and memoranda related to customs matters.
- Submit requests for rulings or clarifications on behalf of clients.
15. Internal and External Tax Discussions
- Collaborate across departments such as IT, Audit, and Tax to provide integrated services to clients.
- Support internal knowledge-sharing and cross-functional advisory work.
16. Training and Knowledge Transfer
- Create and deliver presentations for both internal teams and external clients focused on customs compliance, risk management, and regulatory updates.
- Conduct technical training sessions and mentorship programs for new team members and interns.
17. Tax Research and Business Development
- Conduct in-depth research on local and international customs laws and taxation practices.
- Use insights to support business development initiatives, create value propositions, and position KPMG as a thought leader in the customs advisory space.
18. Staff Supervision and Mentorship
- Supervise associates and interns working on customs projects by providing guidance, feedback, and performance assessments.
- Encourage a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement.
19. Performance Review and Engagement Leadership
- Take charge of staff performance evaluations at the engagement level.
- Act as in-charge staff on complex engagements, ensuring quality control and effective execution.
20. Other Responsibilities
- Carry out any additional duties assigned by the management team in line with the strategic goals of the firm.
We Offer
KPMG believes in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a Customs Senior Associate – Tax, you will benefit from:
- A unique opportunity to work with a leading Big Four firm on innovative, high-impact projects across the African continent.
- Access to continuous learning programs, including global tax technical updates and leadership training.
- Exposure to a wide array of clients in diverse industries, offering multifaceted career growth opportunities.
- Dynamic work environments with access to multidisciplinary teams, tools, and technologies.
- Opportunities to participate in international assignments and engagements.
- A culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and innovation.
Application Instructions
If your career aspirations align with this exciting opportunity, and you believe you possess the experience and expertise to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.
To Apply:
Send your application to [email protected] and quote the subject line: Customs Senior Associate – Tax
Deadline for application: 09 April 2025
Please ensure you also fill the Candidate Summary form available at the link below. Completion of this form is mandatory for consideration.
[Apply Now – Customs Senior Associate – Tax – Candidate’s Summary]
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
© 2025. KPMG Advisory Services Limited, a Kenyan Limited Liability Company and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
