Customs Compliance Specialist
Date: May 13, 2026
Location: Lake Zurich, IL, US, 60047
Company: accobrands
A company with a pioneering past and a purposeful future.
At ACCO Brands, we are united by a common purpose, to empower our consumers to feel good when they work, learn, and play. For more than a century we have developed and nurtured brands that enable people to work with more productivity, learn with more confidence, and play with more enjoyment. We are passionate about a winning culture where we grow together, driving business, professional growth, and success. We invite you to be part of a team that is grounded in a history of category-leading brands and products and focused on positioning our company for the future.
Job Summary
ACCO Brands is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Customs Compliance Specialist to support import/export operations and ensure compliance with U.S. Customs regulations. This role is ideal for a mid-level professional with hands-on experience in customs processes, tariff classification, and trade documentation. The position will work closely with internal teams and external brokers to facilitate efficient and compliant cross-border trade activities.
Responsibilities
- Classify products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to ensure accurate duty assessment and compliance with U.S. Customs regulations
- Prepare, review, and maintain trade documentation, including USMCA certificates and other free trade agreement (FTA) certifications
- Support the creation, validation, and issuance of certificates of origin
- Review customs entries submitted by brokers for accuracy and compliance
- Respond to broker requests for information (RFIs) in a timely and accurate manner, including product details, classification support, and valuation data
- Partner with internal stakeholders (sourcing, logistics, compliance) to gather necessary information for customs filings
- Maintain records in accordance with U.S. Customs recordkeeping requirements
- Assist in identifying and resolving customs-related issues, discrepancies, or delays
- Stay current on changes in customs regulations, trade agreements, and compliance requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years of experience in customs compliance, international trade, or import/export operations
- Strong working knowledge of HTS classification and U.S. Customs regulations
- Experience with USMCA and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including certificate preparation
- Familiarity with customs entry processes and documentation requirements
- Experience working with customs brokers and responding to RFIs
- High attention to detail and strong analytical skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel preferred); experience with trade compliance systems is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a manufacturing or consumer goods environment
- Exposure to global trade operations beyond the U.S.
- Knowledge of duty optimization strategies and trade compliance best practices
Additional Information
- This is not an entry-level role, but does not require a licensed customs broker designation
- Ideal candidates are hands-on, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
About Us:
You know our brands. You love our brands. You just may not know they are ours.
If you have touched a PowerA® gaming controller, a Five Star® notebook, a Swingline® stapler, a Quartet® dry erase board, or a Kensington® computer mouse, you have touched part of ACCO Brands Corporation. With annual revenues of more than $1.5 Billion, ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO) designs, markets, manufactures, and sells branded academic, consumer, and business products globally. The power of our brands, our unmatched global customer reach, and our strategic market strengths put us in a position to achieve global leadership and growth. We're proud of our long history of industry leadership and innovation and are focused on delivering exceptional value to our customers by providing unique, cutting-edge, branded products.
What we offer:
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans
- 4% 401(k) match with immediate eligibility and vesting
- Competitive time off, available from the first day of employment
- Parental leave
- Company-paid life and disability benefits
- Critical illness, accident, and long-term care insurance options
- Employee and family assistance programs
Growing together is how we win.
With trusted brands, strong leadership, and a clear purpose, you’ll find opportunities to grow in your career, contribute to meaningful work, and be a part of a culture that values creativity and putting our consumers and customers first.
Apply now and build a successful future with ACCO Brands.
More information about ACCO Brands can be found at www.accobrands.com.
ACCO Brands has developed and maintains a written Affirmative Action Program (“AAP”) for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. A copy can be requested from Human Resources. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ACCO Brands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The company strives to create a winning culture with a leadership promise to provide equal access and opportunity for all to grow, succeed, and contribute to their full potential.
AODA
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided in all parts of the recruiting process as required under the ACCO Brands Canada AODA policy. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago