KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. With a footprint that spans across the African continent, KPMG has continually demonstrated its commitment to excellence by delivering impactful and timely solutions to clients across a range of sectors. The East Africa practice includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with the Nairobi office serving as the regional hub. From this central location, KPMG facilitates the seamless delivery of services throughout the region, ensuring exceptional quality and client satisfaction.
KPMG Kenya is now inviting applications from qualified and experienced professionals to fill the role of Customs Senior Associate – Tax. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking to advance their careers within a globally recognized firm, contribute to high-impact projects, and expand their professional experience.
Position: Customs Senior Associate – Tax
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Deadline for Application: 09 April 2025
Key Roles and Responsibilities
As a Customs Senior Associate in the Tax department, you will play a central role in helping clients navigate complex customs regulations, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and optimizing business operations. The successful candidate will take on a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Performing engagement management tasks including project setup, resource planning, billing analysis, invoicing, and collections.
- Conducting client and engagement risk assessments in accordance with KPMG’s KYC (Know Your Customer) policies and procedures.
- Advising clients on a broad range of customs and excise duty matters, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and practices.
- Representing clients during customs audits and investigations, offering technical and procedural guidance throughout the process.
- Assisting clients with negotiating tax rulings and securing favorable decisions where possible.
- Providing guidance on the correct tariff classification of imported goods, and advising on the accuracy of customs valuations.
- Supporting clients with administrative customs compliance and documentation.
- Helping clients formulate and implement effective customs and trade management strategies tailored to their operations.
- Building and maintaining long-term client relationships, while ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery.
- Managing a portfolio of clients with varying levels of complexity and industry focus.
- Acting as a liaison between clients and relevant regulatory authorities, ensuring smooth communication and resolution of issues.
- Preparing technical reports and written submissions, including opinion letters, responses to queries, and memoranda.
- Leading multiple client engagements involving data analysis, stakeholder coordination, interviews, and report preparation.
- Collaborating with internal departments including Audit, IT, and other Tax teams to offer integrated services.
- Developing and delivering training materials for both internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance customs and tax knowledge.
- Conducting research on customs and tax-related matters to enhance service quality and technical competence.
- Mentoring and supervising junior team members and interns working on customs-related projects.
- Conducting performance evaluations and serving as the team lead on select engagements.
- Performing any other responsibilities as may be delegated to support the function and client service objectives.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a recognized university.
- Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in customs, preferably within an accounting or law firm or in-house corporate tax team.
- Professional certifications such as CPA or ACCA are highly desirable.
- A postgraduate diploma or master’s degree in Customs or any other professional qualification in Customs from a recognized institution is an added advantage.
Technical Skills and Knowledge
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Access.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting online research on tax and customs matters.
- In-depth understanding of customs tax laws, rules, and regulatory frameworks.
- Familiarity with accounting systems and tax technology tools is preferred.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams across Tax, IT, and Audit domains.
- Strong advisory and compliance capabilities in customs-related matters.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining complex concepts in a clear and professional manner.
- Ability to foster and maintain positive relationships with clients and team members.
- Capacity to handle multiple engagements and manage priorities effectively under tight deadlines.
- Flexible and open to learning, with a strong desire for professional growth.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
- Strong organizational skills, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of work.
- Confidence in negotiation scenarios, representing clients with credibility and authority.
What KPMG Offers
- A chance to work with one of the Big Four firms, servicing prominent clients across Africa.
- Continuous learning and career development, with opportunities to expand both technical and leadership capabilities.
- Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, providing a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
- An opportunity to innovate and contribute to impactful projects and thought leadership.
- Possibilities for international travel and exposure to global best practices.
How to Apply
If your career aspirations align with this exciting opportunity, we invite you to take the next step. Please fill out the mandatory application form using the link provided below. In addition, send your resume and cover letter to the email indicated, quoting ‘Customs Senior Associate – Tax’ in the subject line.
Application Deadline: 09 April 2025
Apply Now: Customs Senior Associate – Tax – Candidate’s Summary
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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