Import Specialist at Bayer

Job description

Major Tasks and Responsibilities

• To provide an efficient import service by overseeing the efficient clearing and delivery of all imported materials as well as ensuring all invoices are timeously booked in the SAP system.
• To ensure that all shipping documents and supplier invoices are received and forwarded to the clearing agents with a clearing instruction, at least five days before the ETA (expected time of arrival) of the vessel.
• To ensure the all imports are timeously cleared by the appointed clearing and forwarding agents so as to avoid any demurrage.
• Track all deliveries and keep relevant parties updated with delivery dates.
• To ensure that all imported goods are cleared on the correct HS Tariff code so as to ensure that no unnecessary imports duties are incurred.
• Checking and booking of the inbound deliveries in SAP prior to the GRN as well as updating the Purchase orders with the relevant shipping information to ensure that the shipping register (printed from SAP) is fully updated.
• Using the register to ensure that all shipments are correctly cleared by the clearing agents.
• To ensure that the invoices and customs documentation of the clearing agents are received and booked to the order before the goods receipts of the goods are booked and to resolve any Debtors reconciliation enquiries.
• Invoices and customs documents to be checked for accuracy.
• Liaise with clearing agents regularly regarding clearing delays, expediting of containers and import permits, as well as Port Health stoppages and Customer & Border police stops and update the relevant parties involved (product supply).
• Consolidate permits & import documents and do consistency checks for Local, ES & SAC orders on unregistered product in liaison with R&D Departments.
• Create shipment and claims files as well as filing all correspondence related to Import permits.
• Process all claims resulting from shortages or damages and assist with additional tasks as and when required.
• By ensuring that all imports are properly and timeously cleared the value added to the business includes:
• On time delivery to support proper production planning and ensure on-time deliveries to customers.
• Cost savings in the form of reduced demurrage and proper import duties paid.

Who you are:

Qualifications:

• Matriculation certificate
• Relevant tertiary qualification would be an advantage
• Relevant code B or higher drivers license

Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience in the importing role as controller
• Experience in relevant SAP modules – Purchasing, Warehouse Management (goods receipt) and Finance (Invoicing)

Skills & Knowledge:

• Full knowledge of parameters and requirements as laid down by the Customs Act.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Strong analytical ability
• Full knowledge of the procedures and requirements for movement of cargo and documents through the various parties including Customs agents, depots, terminals, transporters, harbour revenue and is fully aware of the consequence of delays and the costs involved.
• Sound knowledge in MS Excel; MS Word and MS PowerPoint an advantage.