Senior Trade Compliance Specialist

Position Overview
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.Job Details
Company: Finning CanadaNumber of Openings: 1Worker Type: PermanentBenefits
Great people and a place to work with a hybrid work opportunityCareer advancement and training opportunitiesPension and employee stock purchase plans with company contributionsExtensive health benefits including group medical and dental benefits, and short‑term and long‑term disability benefitsFor this position, the expected salary range is between $90,000 to $100,000 annually with an additional bonusJob Description
Why Join Finning?
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 entitiesAutonomy to shape strategy, process, and governanceDirect interaction with CBSA, CBP, brokers, consultants, and OEM partnersThe opportunity to mentor and elevate technical capability across the Trade Compliance teamWhat You’ll Do
Trade Compliance Leadership & Process Ownership (≈85%)
Own and govern all customs compliance processes across Finning entities, ensuring alignment with current CBSA and CBP regulationsAct as the senior technical expert for Canadian and U.S. customs matters, including:Tariff classification & valuationOrigin determination & USMCA qualificationSIMA, surtax, PGAs, export controls, and duty programsIndependently manage high‑complexity HS classification, including new product introductions, kits and assemblies, tariff shifts, and multi‑program eligibility reviewsProvide strategic guidance on tariff changes, SIMA applicability, valuation adjustments, and regulatory developmentsOwn and govern the USMCA qualification and review process for manufactured and remanufactured productsManage Finning’s CARM account, ensuring compliance, financial security, and system accuracyLead detailed audits of broker entries, classifications, valuations, and origin documentation to identify risks and drive corrective actionServe as Finning’s primary technical contact with CBSA, CBP, customs brokers, Caterpillar, and external advisorsDesign and implement process improvements and compliance frameworks that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and risk mitigationProvide advanced technical mentorship to Trade Compliance Specialists, reducing reliance on management for complex decisionsDuty Recovery & Cost Optimization (≈10%)
Lead technical analysis to identify duty recovery, conditional relief, drawback, and end‑use opportunitiesEvaluate parts, assemblies, and product families to determine program eligibility and compliance requirementsPartner with Caterpillar and customs consultants on complex recovery initiativesAnalyze sales and part‑level data to ensure recovery claims are audit‑readyQuantify financial impact and clearly communicate duty savings opportunities to the businessOperational 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 disputesReview and approve classification, valuation, and duty accuracy for high‑value vendor invoicesProvide hands‑on support during urgent or business‑critical shipmentsCoordinate with Treasury on customs bonds and duty payments to prevent financial exposureWhat You’ll Be Accountable For
Maintaining expert‑level knowledge of Canadian and U.S. trade regulationsTranslating regulatory change into clear, actionable guidanceProactively identifying compliance risks and implementing mitigation plansDelivering data‑driven insights, reports, and recommendations to stakeholdersActing as a trusted internal consultant and thought partner to the businessSupporting continuous improvement, SOP development, and best practicesSafeguarding Finning against penalties, delays, and reputational riskWhat You Bring
Skills & Capabilities
Strategic thinker with strong independent judgment and decision‑making abilityHighly analytical with exceptional attention to detailClear, confident communicator with strong presentation and training skillsCollaborative influencer able to drive change across functionsHigh ethical standards and the confidence to advocate for complianceTechnical Knowledge & Expertise
Deep expertise in Canadian and U.S. customs regulations, tariff schedules, GIRs, D‑Memos, WCO notes, SIMA, valuation, and surtaxAdvanced understanding of USMCA and free trade agreement qualificationStrong knowledge of HS codes, ECCNs, ECL, and export controlsExperience with duty recovery and minimization programsFamiliarity with PGAs (EPA, FDA, CFIA, DOT, HC, CGP, Environment Canada)Solid understanding of supply chain, logistics, reverse logistics, and INCOTERMSProven ability to lead audits, amendments, and ruling‑based decisionsEducation & Experience
Diploma or degree in International Trade, Logistics, Business, or related field10+ years of experience in customs, trade compliance, export controls, and duty recoveryProfessional certifications (or working toward):Certified Customs SpecialistCertified Trade Compliance SpecialistCustoms Export SpecialistExperience with CARM and Single Window (strong asset)CITP / FIBP as an assetExperience writing ruling requests and responding to ruling decisionsFamiliarity with U.S. export regulations, AES filings, and reportingLicensed Customs Broker or Control Goods Program experience (asset)Strong proficiency in Excel and Power BI, including reporting, pivots, and data analysisReady to Make an Impact?
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
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.
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