Gauteng: Customs Clearing Controller – Bonded Warehouse posted by Innovazi Consulting (Pty) Ltd

Role Overview
The Customs Clearing Controller will be responsible for managing end-to-end customs clearing activities and bonded warehouse operations, ensuring full compliance with SARS Customs legislation and internal procedures. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong technical knowledge, system expertise, and the ability to manage customs processes accurately and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities
Customs Operations

• Manage import and export customs clearing processes from documentation through to final release
• Prepare, review, and submit accurate customs declarations within required timelines
• Ensure correct tariff classification, valuation, origin compliance, and supporting documentation
• Identify and resolve customs queries, discrepancies, and compliance risks
• Coordinate with internal teams, clients, transporters, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth clearance processes

Bonded Warehouse Management

• Oversee bonded warehouse operations and compliance controls
• Monitor bonded cargo movements, stock records, and removals in bond
• Ensure accurate inventory reconciliation and control of bonded stock
• Maintain compliance with bonded warehouse regulations and audit standards
• Support internal and external audits relating to bonded warehouse operations

Easy Clear Administration

• Process and supervise customs entries through Easy Clear
• Ensure all submissions are accurate, compliant, and completed within required timelines
• Support team members with system queries and processing requirements
• Maintain accurate electronic records and documentation
• Identify opportunities to improve processing efficiency and system discipline

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure full compliance with SARS Customs legislation and regulatory requirements
• Liaise with SARS and relevant authorities where required
• Prepare for audits, inspections, and compliance reviews
• Maintain and update internal procedures in line with regulatory changes
• Support ongoing compliance and revenue protection initiatives

Team Support & Operational Control

• Supervise and support customs clearing staff where applicable
• Monitor team productivity, accuracy, and service delivery
• Provide guidance and training on customs procedures and system use
• Escalate operational issues and recommend solutions
• Promote a culture of accuracy, compliance, and accountability

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders
• Provide timely updates on clearance status and documentation requirements
• Resolve customs-related queries efficiently and professionally
• Support customer retention through reliable and compliant service delivery

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in customs clearing
• Proven experience with bonded warehouse operations and compliance
• Advanced working knowledge of Easy Clear
• Strong understanding of SARS Customs legislation and processes
• Solid knowledge of tariff classification, valuation, origin requirements, and import/export procedures
• Experience engaging with SARS and regulatory authorities
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Desirable Experience

• Experience within freight forwarding, logistics, or customs environments
• Previous experience supervising or mentoring customs clearing staff
• Knowledge of bonded warehouse licensing, stock control, and audit requirements
• Experience handling complex entries, compliance queries, or audits
• Strong customer service and stakeholder engagement skills

Key Competencies

• High level of accuracy and compliance discipline
• Strong technical customs knowledge
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Leadership and team support capability
• Problem-solving mindset
• Strong system and documentation control

Performance Indicators

• Customs compliance and accuracy rates
• Bonded warehouse compliance
• Easy Clear processing accuracy
• Clearance turnaround times
• SARS audit outcomes
• Customer satisfaction
• Team productivity
• Revenue protection and operational efficiency

Additional Information

• Occasional site visits may be required
• Travel within South Africa may be required depending on operational needs
• This role suits a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a compliance-driven environment