Finning Canada
1
Permanent
Finning Canada is seeking an experienced Senior Trade Compliance Specialist to join our team. This is a senior‑level, individual‑contributor role for a trade compliance expert who thrives in complexity, operates with independence, and brings both strategic insight and hands‑on execution to customs and global trade matters across Canada and the United States.
As a trusted internal consultant and subject matter expert, you will guide Finning’s business units (OEM, SITECH, and Power Systems) through high‑risk and technically complex trade scenarios while strengthening compliance frameworks, reducing duty exposure, and driving operational excellence.
What we can offer you:
- Great people and place to work with a hybrid work opportunity
- Career advancement and training opportunities
- Pension and employee stock purchase plans with company contributions
- Extensive health benefits including group medical and dental benefits, and short-term and long-term disability benefits
- For this position, the expected salary range is between $90,000 to $100,000 annually with an additional bonus.
At Finning, we operate at scale across borders, products, and regulatory environments—making trade compliance a critical business enabler. In this role, you’ll have:
Enterprise‑level impact across multiple business entities
Autonomy to shape strategy, process, and governance
Direct interaction with CBSA, CBP, brokers, consultants, and OEM partners
The opportunity to mentor and elevate technical capability across the Trade Compliance team
Trade Compliance Leadership & Process Ownership ( 85%)
Own and govern all customs compliance processes across Finning entities, ensuring alignment with current CBSA and CBP regulations
Act as the senior technical expert for Canadian and U.S. customs matters, including:
Tariff classification & valuation
Origin determination & USMCA qualification
SIMA, surtax, PGAs, export controls, and duty programs
Independently manage high‑complexity HS classification , including new product introductions, kits and assemblies, tariff shifts, and multi‑program eligibility reviews
Provide strategic guidance on tariff changes, SIMA applicability, valuation adjustments, and regulatory developments
Own and govern the USMCA qualification and review process for manufactured and remanufactured products
Manage Finning’s CARM account , ensuring compliance, financial security, and system accuracy
Lead detailed audits of broker entries, classifications, valuations, and origin documentation to identify risks and drive corrective action
Serve as Finning’s primary technical contact with CBSA, CBP, customs brokers, Caterpillar, and external advisors
Design and implement process improvements and compliance frameworks that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and risk mitigation
Provide advanced technical mentorship to Trade Compliance Specialists, reducing reliance on management for complex decisions
Duty Recovery & Cost Optimization ( 10%)
Lead technical analysis to identify duty recovery, conditional relief, drawback, and end‑use opportunities
Evaluate parts, assemblies, and product families to determine program eligibility and compliance requirements
Partner with Caterpillar and customs consultants on complex recovery initiatives
Analyze sales and part‑level data to ensure recovery claims are audit‑ready
Quantify financial impact and clearly communicate duty savings opportunities to the business
Operational Escalation & Risk Management ( 5%)
Act as the primary escalation point for high‑risk and high‑value trade issues , including SIMA scope, PGAs, temporary imports, CERS, export controls, and valuation disputes
Review and approve classification, valuation, and duty accuracy for high‑value vendor invoices
Provide hands‑on support during urgent or business‑critical shipments
Coordinate with Treasury on customs bonds and duty payments to prevent financial exposure
What You’ll Be Accountable For
Maintaining expert‑level knowledge of Canadian and U.S. trade regulations
Translating regulatory change into clear, actionable guidance
Proactively identifying compliance risks and implementing mitigation plans
Delivering data‑driven insights, reports, and recommendations to stakeholders
Acting as a trusted internal consultant and thought partner to the business
Supporting continuous improvement, SOP development, and best practices
Safeguarding Finning against penalties, delays, and reputational risk
Strategic thinker with strong independent judgment and decision‑making ability
Highly analytical with exceptional attention to detail
Clear, confident communicator with strong presentation and training skills
Collaborative influencer able to drive change across functions
High ethical standards and the confidence to advocate for compliance
Technical Knowledge & Expertise
Deep expertise in Canadian and U.S. customs regulations , tariff schedules, GIRs, D‑Memos, WCO notes, SIMA, valuation, and surtax
Advanced understanding of USMCA and free trade agreement qualification
Strong knowledge of HS codes, ECCNs, ECL , and export controls
Experience with duty recovery and minimization programs
Familiarity with PGAs (EPA, FDA, CFIA, DOT, HC, CGP, Environment Canada)
Solid understanding of supply chain, logistics, reverse logistics , and INCOTERMS
Proven ability to lead audits, amendments, and ruling‑based decisions
Diploma or degree in International Trade, Logistics, Business, or related field
10+ years of experience in customs, trade compliance, export controls, and duty recovery
Professional certifications (or working toward):
Certified Customs Specialist
Certified Trade Compliance Specialist
Customs Export Specialist
Experience with CARM and Single Window (strong asset)
CITP / FIBP as an asset
Experience writing ruling requests and responding to ruling decisions
Familiarity with U.S. export regulations, AES filings , and reporting
Licensed Customs Broker or Control Goods Program experience (asset)
Strong proficiency in Excel and Power BI , including reporting, pivots, and data analysis
If you’re a seasoned trade compliance professional who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing at scale, and protecting the business while enabling growth, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of trade compliance at Finning Canada.
At Finning, we prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we actively encourage all individuals to express themselves and achieve their full potential. As a company, we continuously strive to enhance our outreach to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, and/or mental or physical disabilities. Furthermore, Finning is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations /adjustments to individuals with disabilities. If you require an adjustment/accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter.
