Senior Clearing & Forwarding Controller

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Location: Devonbosch, Koelenhof
Industry: Logistics / Freight Forwarding / Bulk Commodities

Our client, a market-leading logistics and trading company, is seeking an experienced Senior Clearing & Forwarding Controller to manage import and export customs processes across multiple South African ports.

This is a high-responsibility role suited to a technically strong clearing professional who thrives in a deadline-driven, high-volume environment and understands both operational execution and financial control within customs and bulk commodity logistics.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will take ownership of end-to-end clearing and forwarding activities, including framing Bills of Entry, managing customs deferment accounts, coordinating multi-port clearances, supporting bulk commodity contract execution, and ensuring full regulatory compliance.

You will work closely with Trading, Logistics, Finance, Shipping, silos, transporters, and regulatory authorities to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient cargo movement.

Key Responsibilities

Clearing & Customs

• Frame and submit Import and Export Bills of Entry across multiple ports and branches.

• Coordinate customs clearances in line with SARS regulations and internal compliance standards.

• Maintain accurate vessel files, clearance records, and supporting documentation.

• Liaise with SARS, Port Health, Department of Agriculture, SABS, and other regulatory bodies.

• Stay current with customs legislation, tariff updates, and regulatory changes.

Port & Operational Coordination

• Manage electronic submissions and coordinate releases, Landing Orders, and Cargo Dues.

• Facilitate discharges and port-specific clearance requirements.

• Coordinate with shipping lines, transporters, silos, and warehouse operators.

• Support export entries and reverse procedures where required.

Deferment & Financial Management

• Manage high-value Customs Duty and VAT deferment accounts.

• Ensure timely payment processing to avoid penalties and interest.

• Coordinate with Finance to ensure funding availability.

• Support month-end processes including AR/AP invoicing and reconciliation.

Bulk Commodity Execution

• Execute sales contracts strictly in accordance with agreed terms.

• Coordinate silo load-outs and transport upliftment to minimise storage exposure.

• Raise storage-related invoices and manage contract allocations.

• Prepare pro-forma invoices for cross-border clients to secure import permits.

• Monitor stock under Collateral Management Agreements.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in clearing and forwarding within logistics, freight forwarding, or trading.

• Strong knowledge of South African customs procedures and regulations.

• Proven experience framing and processing Import and Export Bills of Entry.

• Experience managing deferment accounts and high-value duty/VAT payments.

• Strong numerical and analytical skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and relevant customs/financial systems (e.g. ACS, FUSION or similar).

• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise confidently with authorities and internal teams.

Advantageous

• Experience in bulk commodities, silo operations, or terminal handling.

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Customs, Logistics, or Supply Chain Management.

• Recognised customs compliance certification.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary aligned to experience.

• Exposure to large-scale, multi-port clearing operations.

• Stable role within an established logistics and trading environment.

• Opportunity to play a key role in compliance, financial control, and operational execution.

If you are a technically strong clearing professional looking for a senior-level opportunity in a dynamic environment, this role offers both responsibility and long-term growth.