Cindy Deleon - Trade Compliance Consulting

Women in Trade

SHOW NOTES Cindy Deleon is the principal of Deleon consulting. She started as entry level auditor (requires accounting bachelors degree), then a senior auditor, then an assistant field director of the Chicago office. In 2007, she moved to Texas and started doing consulting work while waiting for government transfer paperwork. Importers come to Deleon trade because (1) they have received a “request for information” from customs and need to respond to an issue or (2) they are being audited or (3) least commonly, are being proactive. Two general types of audit (1) single issue audit (classification, value, or FTA eligibility) or (2) focused assessment. There is a misconception that customs isn't doing focused assessment anymore but she can attest that they are. The objective a focused assessment is to determine whether the company has adequate internal control and written procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. 5 components of internal control: Controlled environment Controlled activities (written policy) Risk assessment (to focus limited resources on the greatest risk) Information and communication (within company and with brokers and suppliers) Monitoring (internal audits) Importance/usefulness of Automation: no matter how good the provider it all comes down to whether it's used properly and what systems the importer/exports has and what data is accessible. Deciding a career path: don’t worry about deciding your whole career now many different paths auditing, brokerage, importer get a brokerage license Mentoring: every hurdle can be solved with food be prepared, have questions, truly interested most people want to give back Professional organizations & Certifications: National customs brokers and freight forwarders association: cert customs specialist and certified export specialist (Federico zunida) - National education institute OWIT - Houston not active but other cities are active and are fantastic License customs broker certification Do you have to choose a speciality within International trade compliance?(import or export) It takes a certain personality to be a compliance person because there is so much detail start out in brokerage help with paperwork and learn, then move to work for an importer with gradually increasing responsibilities many people start in logistics and move to compliance as responsibilities expand then more formal training should follow Educational background required for this career path: Many different degrees are relevant: supply chain, accounting, finance, Legal, or no college degree its really a manner of continuing education and making sure your skill set and background is well suited for your responsibilities

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Full episode transcript available on my website: Season 1: Episode 1 (kelliekemock.wixsite.com)