Imports Assistant

An exciting opportunity for an Imports Assistant has opened in Finance, Harrods.

The purpose of the role is to provide couriers and freight forwarders with customs clearance/applying for import cites licences/approving vendor orders/checking invoices and liaising with the buying offices for any shipment queries.

Principal Accountabilities

• Review email inbox throughout the day for shipment clearances from freight forwarders and couriers and checking the documents supplied. Documents that are for concessions or consignment stock should be referred to sender.
• Ensure to check the documents show Harrods PO number, check the Incoterms on airwaybill and invoices which should match the vendor master data. Documents must be checked for PO validity for approval and if expired then liaise with the Buying office to update the PO, if rejected then advise freight forwarder to return shipment. Approval also required on Lima system and open a job log on excel.
• Review the HS codes on HMRC website and provide accurate data for custom clearance to freight forwarders and couriers.
• Investigate incorrect Incoterms and liaise with buying offices as well as vendor and resolve the issue. Ensure correct Incoterms are maintained in SAP system.
• Review contents of the invoice for any CITIES goods. Apply for relevant imports permit from Defra
• Ensuring shipment invoices are compliant to Brexit rules especially for EU shipments where HS codes, Country of Origin, Net weight, Preferential statement, REX number are applied.
• Checking and processing freight forwarders and couriers’ invoices for payment and reconciling their statements on regular basis plus resolving any shipping and accounting queries in timely manner.
• Investigate any new vendors agreements Incoterms are appropriate and verify again with vendors as to what they understand from the Incoterm that is recorded under vendor agreement. Any changes needs to be changed on SAP and informing relevant buying offices.

KPI's

• Shipment notifications are checked and completed on same day as received
• Ability to understand the CITIES requirements and follow up for Imports permit
• Freight and Duty GL accounts are reconciled within 2 weeks from period end Completion of projects within agreed deadlines.
• Checking of new foreign accounts Incoterms and verify with vendors within 3 days from notification.

About you

• Basic Imports / Shipping knowledge, more desirable then essential
• Good PC literacy (word, excel and preferably SAP)
• Strong customer service focus when dealing with both internal and external parties.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent time-management skills and the ability and willingness to multi-task.
• Flexibility and readiness to adapt to changing priorities.
• Good attention to detail which will be evident through paperwork completed, organisation of department and sufficient stock levels.
• Strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to Harrods values

We have five employee values that show us the way; We take pride, We Strive to Exceed, We are One, We are Human and We Build Trust. These values are the behaviours and ways of working that we attach the most importance to at Harrods. We use our values to illustrate how we want to be with each other, with customers, with suppliers and other stakeholders.

Our promise to you

As we strive to continually create something remarkable for customers, you’ll do the same. This is your chance to add your expertise to our financial journey and shape it by bringing the best out of your team. You’ll find the freedom to be yourself, as well as the support and structure to build a career at Harrods.  

In return, you’ll be rewarded for your contribution with excellent benefits. These include a staff discount of up to 33%, a generous pension, a season ticket loan, private medical cover, flexible working, plus 25 days’ holiday and your birthday off.

Uniquely you

At Harrods we believe anything is possibl. We celebrate and invite applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes and experiences and are proud of our culture where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.

If you want to know more about our people and our culture, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.