Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of COMPTROLLER OF CUSTOMS in the Department of Finance (Customs and Excise Department). 

1. RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1. Manages the overall operational, budgetary and financial responsibilities and activities of the Customs and Excise Department in accordance with the mission and goals of the Department of Finance.

2. Delegates responsibilities to the Deputy Comptrollers whilst maintaining strategic overview and overall responsibility and accountability for output.

3. Works under the direction of and reports to the Permanent Secretary and Director of Finance, when necessary.

2. DUTIES AND TASKS

Primary Duties

1. The Comptroller of Customs and Excise is responsible for the administration of the Customs (Control and Management) Act Ch. 15.05 of the revised laws of Saint Lucia.

2. Prepares the annual work plan of the Customs & Excise Department to provide a guide for attaining the Department’s mandate.    

3. Monitors the performance of the managers for which direct supervision is provided to ensure the achievement of agreed sectional and individual performance targets.

4. Ensures that adequate systems, controls and policies are established and adhered to, for the purposes of ascertaining that all revenues received are brought promptly and properly to account.

5. Exercises control over all officers in the Department and Sub-Offices entrusted with the receipt of public monies.

6. Ensures the maintenance of efficient internal checks and controls, by facilitating surprise inspections, to guard against the occurrence of revenue lost through fraud, embezzlement or negligence.

7. Co-ordinates the development and monitors the implementation of new initiatives necessary for the operational efficiency of the Department.

8. Advises the Permanent Secretary, Department of Finance on critical issues relating to the operations of the Customs and Excise Department for the purpose of pursuing remediation plans as required.

9. Implements Government policy relating to revenue collection and Expenditure.

10. Holds regular meetings with administrative officers and supervisors to discuss policy matters, recommendations for improvement of services, staffing issues, etc.

Secondary Duties

11. Ensures that the Department achieves the outputs described in the Strategic Plan.

12. Meets with stakeholders, interest groups and agencies in relation to departmental matters.

13. Attends regular Heads of Department meetings to report on the progress of the Department and provides representation on matters pertinent to the functioning of the Department.

14. Attends conferences, symposia and meetings to represent the department at the local, regional and international levels.  

3. CONDITIONS

1. Congenial administrative office accommodation will be provided.

2. Institutional support will be provided through appropriate Civil Service Regulations, Statutory Instruments and Departmental Guidelines.

3. The officer must avail himself/herself for personal development and career advancement through established orientation, general and specialized in-service and external training.

4. Salary and allowances will be in accordance with the terms stipulated by the Government of Saint Lucia in the Estimates of Expenditure.

5. Vacation Leave will be provided in accordance with Public Service rules and regulations.

6. Entitled to allowances for traveling, telephone and entertainment.

4. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

1. In-depth knowledge of the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Customs laws and procedures.

2. In-depth knowledge and understanding of the Finance (Administration) Act and the attendant Regulations.

3. In-depth knowledge of Government’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS).

4. Advanced knowledge and understanding of Government’s Accounting practices and Administration procedures.

5. In-depth knowledge of budgeting and other financial management techniques.          

6. Excellent mediation and communication skills.

7. Familiarization with and application of the Department’s Operations Manual.       

8. In-depth knowledge of and ability to interpret Public Service Rules and Regulations, Operating Procedures, Staff Orders for the Public Service of Saint Lucia, Collective Agreements, and Departmental Guidelines.

9. Sound knowledge of performance management methods and techniques, staff development and recognition measures and mentoring and coaching techniques.

10. Ability to interpret and analyze government financial accounting transactions and provide guidance to agencies on same.

11. Demonstrated supervisory and team building skills.

12. Effective time management skills

13. Excellent verbal and written communication skills

14. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including the ability to operate spreadsheets and word processing programmes at a highly proficient level.

15. Ability to be decisive and make sound judgments.

16. Ability to analyze and evaluate data and report findings, and to implement strategic policies.

5.  EVALUATION METHOD

Work performance will be evaluated on the basis of:

1. Timely completion of assignments and meeting tasks deadlines.

2. Compliance with Departmental Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

3. Effective implementation of duties, responsibilities and assignments as defined in the Job Description.   

4. Evidence of the ability to practice a high level of confidentiality.

5. Operate in accordance with the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Customs laws and procedures and the Staff Orders.       

6. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Master’s Degree in International Trade Policy, International Trade Economics, Management or a related field of study plus four (4) years’ post qualifying experience.

OR

2. Bachelor’s Degree plus a Post Graduate Diploma in International Trade Policy, International Trade or a related field of study plus six (6) years’ post qualifying experience.

Relevant work experience operating within a Customs environment would be an asset.

7. SALARY

Salary is at the rate of EC$117,936.00 per annum (Grade 20)

Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Application Forms along with certified copies of documents pertaining to qualifications, plus two (2) recent references and one (1) passport sized photograph.

The same should be addressed to:

To reach her no later than December 30, 2016.

Unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged.

Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.