Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Alkarim Kassam

Alkarim Kassam

Markham,ON

Summary

QUALITY ASSURANCE ANALYST PROVEN EXPERTISE MOBILIZING TEAM PLAYER SUPERIOR QUALITY Accomplished QA expert with 10+ years’ experience and a solid track record of success in leveraging a breadth of expertise to spearhead end-to-end testing activities across various business lines and environments, enabling the on-time, on-budget release of high-quality products. Proficient analytical thinker using excellent organizational skills to strategize and oversee the implementation of multiple concurring tasks and initiatives, all the while influencing decision makers to gain buy-in around innovative solutions optimizing processes and resource usage. Engaging Team Player recognized for navigating effectively across all levels and functions of the organization to align activities with the established vision, fostering cross-functional collaboration for the resolution of complex issues, and mobilizing teams around a culture of excellence.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Quality Integrator

NATIONAL BANK
02.2021 - 01.2023
  • Managed overall testing activities, prepared project status reports, developed the release test strategy and schedule, planned staffing needs, and worked with software engineers to build high-quality test cases, in contribution to NBC’s current automation framework
  • Coordinated manual and automation test efforts to support successfully product development and testing stages in Agile releases and resulted in reduction of testing time and maintenance cost by 50%
  • Improved and implemented the New QA Testing Process which resulted in reduction in testing time and resources by 30%
  • Assessed stakeholder requirements and software requirements and participated in review sessions to ensure all the requirements are fulfilled and contributed recommendations and assessments to ongoing project reviews
  • Liaised and collaborated with project stakeholders including Business, System Analyst, Developers, development Primes, PMs, SMEs, and senior management officials to identify and define scope of testing, bug fixes, upgrades within the context of release
  • Prepared the test data and test environments as required by the project and release scope
  • Defined high level test specification (Requirement Matrix) based on business and technical requirements (user stories) to ensure the functionalities were consistently testable
  • Executed manual testing for various projects (Cash Management Data migration (INTRIA Project), Cheque processing using Mobile apps (INTRIA Project) and Mainframe technologies (CICS, Batch Testing using JCL in TSOD and DB2)
  • Oversaw defect status meetings with Development and Business teams to control testing and resolution on multiple applications
  • Identified dependencies and built test strategies, test plans and test documentations (test functions, test cases, scripts) based on use cases and requirements to ensure sufficient test coverage
  • Performed system, integration, UAT and regression testing to check compatibility of new functionality with existing application functionalities
  • Oversaw testing and software faults/defect status meetings with Development, Business teams and Customer Support teams to control testing for defect analysis, environment details and resolution on multiple applications
  • Completed and delivered all projects within deadlines and budgets, exceeded projections, and complied with restrictions to achieve service excellence.
  • Obtained 80% customer satisfaction score within department.
  • Tested, maintained and monitored computer programs and systems.
  • Assisted staff and users with computer malfunctions and program problems.
  • Explored new technologies and tools for productivity, security and quality assurance purposes.
  • Used computer in analysis and solution of business problems.
  • Maintained quality-focused performance benchmarks and schedules when directing project teams.
  • Consulted with management to reach agreement on system principles.
  • Assessed usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapted to user environment.
  • Helped team members resolve challenging support calls.
  • Trained staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
  • Troubleshot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  • Developed and managed project plans while providing status updates to management.
  • Developed, documented and revised system design procedures and quality standards.

SENIOR QUALITY INTEGRATOR

NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
TORONTO, ON
02.2019 - 01.2023
  • Obtained 90% customer satisfaction score within department.
  • Helped team members resolve challenging support calls.
  • Tested, maintained and monitored computer programs and systems.
  • Assisted staff and users with computer malfunctions and program problems.
  • Maintained quality-focused performance benchmarks and schedules when directing project teams.
  • Consulted with management to reach agreement on system principles.
  • Coordinated and linked computer systems within organization to increase compatibility to share information.

QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING LEAD

NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA, WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TORONTO, ON
02.2019 - 02.2021
  • Led the development, planning, and implementation of QA manual and automation testing functions for IT Business Objects, IT Infrastructure, and Compass (Wealth & assets Management application (Trading, order management, portfolio management and, Order management – Equities/Options/Bonds)), for enterprise architecture across concurring projects; oversaw bug/defect fixes, enhancements, and production support
  • Managed and executed overall Manual and Automation testing activities, prepared technical documentation, and communicated defect logs and final project reports (test phase closure, entry/exit criteria, and SDLC gating) to the System Development team, PMs, and business stakeholders
  • Supervised and assigned project tasks (to developers and testers, transferring required skills and knowledge to achieve objectives
  • Mentored and coaching Junior QAs and colleagues, while serving as a reference for the requirements management life cycle
  • Liaised with Development Directors and Project Managers throughout the Agile/Scrum system project life cycles, which ensured all changes were incorporated and all QA deliverables and milestones were met within deadline and QA Assessment budgets
  • Reviewed solution architecture, policies, and business requirements with cross-functional stakeholders and managed the creation of test artifacts (strategies and plans) to verify usability, functionality, and performance
  • Received ample positive feedback from peers and upper management for the successful implementation of projects and releases.
  • Worked collaboratively with members of operations department to improve processes and optimize productivity.
  • Reviewed quality trends to prevent or reduce defects, determined problem causes and initiated actions for correction.
  • Developed effective testing processes for new and existing products to meet client needs.
  • Identified quality problems and recommended solutions.
  • Analyzed issues and recommended corrective actions to improve final results.
  • Conducted tests on product samples and recorded results.
  • Monitored testing procedures to meet established item specifications, standard test methods or protocols.
  • Participated in technical trainings and workshops to improve skills set and boost overall knowledge.
  • Trained employees in proper equipment use and product testing procedures.
  • Investigated or reported questionable test results.
  • Interpreted test results, compared to specifications and control limits and recommended data for release.
  • Participated in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommended corrective actions.

SENIOR TEST LEAD/SENIOR TEST QA ANALYST

09.2018 - 12.2018
  • Developed, planned and managed concurring initiatives such as production support bug fixing testing, requirements testing, and enhancements
  • Analyzed user stories for mobile wealth web portal and desktop apps and participated in planning, Scrum meetings, and Sprints
  • Designed, developed, debugged, and executed complex UAT E2E test cases for various IT apps, information services, and technologies
  • Created and executed functional product development UAT & E2E manual testing for various critical points in the system development applications
  • Reviewed DB test cases as per requirements to validate reports by retrieving data with complex SQL queries from SQL Server
  • Executed cross-browser manual testing and developed technical documentation, test scripts, scenarios, and features, fostering adoption of the better software design as per testing best practices, risk analysis methodologies, testing standards, and audit requirements
  • Built effective relationships and collaborated with the Scrum Master, Product Developer, and Product Manager in an Agile/Scrum environment, supporting and motivating them throughout the QA process while fostering adherence to best practices and policies.

QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING LEAD

ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS, INC
BRAMPTON, ON
01.2012 - 09.2018
  • Directed a team of test leads and analysts across planning, preparation, and signoff for mobile and online apps test strategies, cases, schedules, and cost estimates, adhering with risk analysis methodologies and system testing (SIT) standards
  • Managed onsite and offshore 3rd-party vendor relations, coordinating the resolution of complex test management issues for mobile testing on mobile devices (iOS and Android), digital channels, and desktop application projects using Agile and Waterfall methodologies
  • Supported all phases of SDLC testing: system testing, enterprise business acceptance testing, performance testing, UAT, E2E pre-production (deployment verification), and verification after release warranty support based on ISTQB standard test quality metrics
  • Ensured test execution complied with major enterprise release timelines and avoidance of UAT & production environment impacts
  • Led defect status calls and test documentation, tracking, debugging, and control meetings with developers, offshore/onshore testers, Stakeholders, Business System Analysts, and PMs for various mobile app testing projects in order to resolve complex issues optimally
  • Executed manual testing and developed baseline test scripts for Amdocs CRM and Mainframe legacy systems
  • Proactively identified and explained issues, risks, defects, and solution gaps; provided effective knowledge transfer to Junior QAs
  • Coordinated 6 end-to-end projects which drove significant improvements in operations and expedient error detection/resolution.

SENIOR QUALITY/TEST ASSURANCE ANALYST

Rogers Communication nc
Brampton, ON
03.2007 - 12.2011
  • Gathered the scope document, business requirement documents, functional/system requirement documents, and design specifications via meetings with developers and Business System Analysts; broke down use cases and business rules into test scenarios for mobile/desktop apps
  • Created test plans/scenarios/cases based on business/functional requirements using IBM Rational Quality Manager and HP ALM
  • Developed automated test scripts for performance and response time, enabling effective troubleshooting and resolution of issues
  • Enhanced and customized automated test scripts for system testing and performance testing and created user defined functions
  • Performed manual testing and developed baseline test scripts using SQL script to validate data in the SQL and Oracle databases
  • Execute backend testing involving extensive writing and usage of SQL queries to verify database integrity and product quality
  • Maintained, monitored, and documented application behavior in different testing phases in the client services environment
  • Met project scope and delivery dates by planning optimal testing schedules.
  • Created and optimized automated testing tools for repetitive tasks.
  • Worked with off-site teams to complete timely tests and facilitate smooth product releases.
  • Created and maintained database of common and known testing defects.
  • Spearheaded concurring initiatives over entire testing life cycles, consistently achieving deliverables within deadlines and budgets
  • Successfully completed project management and team leadership courses, including external and self-development online training
  • Recorded and reported test results, performing calculations, producing graphical solutions and representations.
  • Evaluated test results and prepared system-level reports to detail findings and validate system performance.
  • Worked with Agile and Scrum methodologies to accomplish project milestones and meet demanding timelines.
  • Tested functionality, performance and compliance of each product against design specifications to maintain strong development standards and high customer satisfaction.
  • Wrote and updated manual test cases for team use, maintaining optimal organization for maximum productivity.
  • Documented, triaged and managed defects in HP ALM/IBM ClearQuest and worked with developers to facilitate timely resolutions.
  • Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
  • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.

Education

BACHELOR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (B. ENG -

RYERSON UNIVERSITY

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (PM) -

UDemy

AUTOMATION TESTING – SELENIUM WEBDRIVER & JAVA PRO

Pragra

ISTQB FOUNDATION CERTIFICATION (CTFL)

ISTQB

MEMBER OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS ONTARIO

PEO

CERTIFIED SCRUM MASTER (CSM)

THE KNOWLEDGE ACADEMY

INTRODUCTION RPA AND AUTOMATION (IN PROGRESS)

IPN USA

Skills

  • Testing Templates & Metrics Creation ◾ Software Testing Planning & Management ◾ Project QA Process Maintenance
  • QA Services & Resources Coordination ◾ Testing Tool, Standard, & Process Development ◾ Manual/Automation Testing
  • Application Development Life Cycle Support ◾ Manual/Regression Suites Impact Analysis ◾ Manual Test Case Creation
  • Project Management & Progress Reporting ◾ Team Coaching, Training, & Leadership ◾ Strategic Planning & Execution
  • TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
  • Testing: System integration Integration UAT Risk Management End-to-End New Features Bug /defect fixes upgrades
  • Testing Artefacts: Requirement Matrix (high level Test Specifications Test Strategy Test Plan Test Case Creation Test / Defect Report
  • Programming Languages: SQL Java C
  • Testing Applications: SQL Database NET Web UI Mobile Desktop Reporting
  • Financial Systems Applications: Backend IBM WebSphere Security testing front end (UX/UI) APIs (REST & SOAP) Web Apps Performance TSOD ETL Data Testing Microservices Cloud based financial services (AWS) Salesforces Marketing Cloud (SFMC) Compass (Wealth Assets Management tools – Capital Marketing IT Marketing
  • Testing/Defect Tools: IBM Rational Quality Manager HP ALM & Quality Center JIRA IBM Rational ClearQuest
  • Databases: Oracle MS SQL RDBMS
  • Miscellaneous: SDLC (Waterfalls and Agile Methodologies) IBM ClearQuest, JIRA & HPALM Test execution management (STLC) Test management System (JIRA, IBM RQM)
  • Project Documentation
  • Cost Estimation and Budgeting
  • Organizational Skills
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Supervision & Leadership
  • Computer Skills
  • People Skills
  • Team Management
  • Problem Resolution
  • Friendly, Positive Attitude
  • Flexible Schedule

Timeline

Senior Quality Integrator

NATIONAL BANK
02.2021 - 01.2023

SENIOR QUALITY INTEGRATOR

NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
02.2019 - 01.2023

QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING LEAD

NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA, WEALTH MANAGEMENT
02.2019 - 02.2021

SENIOR TEST LEAD/SENIOR TEST QA ANALYST

09.2018 - 12.2018

QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING LEAD

ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS, INC
01.2012 - 09.2018

SENIOR QUALITY/TEST ASSURANCE ANALYST

Rogers Communication nc
03.2007 - 12.2011

BACHELOR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (B. ENG -

RYERSON UNIVERSITY

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (PM) -

UDemy

AUTOMATION TESTING – SELENIUM WEBDRIVER & JAVA PRO

Pragra

ISTQB FOUNDATION CERTIFICATION (CTFL)

ISTQB

MEMBER OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS ONTARIO

PEO

CERTIFIED SCRUM MASTER (CSM)

THE KNOWLEDGE ACADEMY

INTRODUCTION RPA AND AUTOMATION (IN PROGRESS)

IPN USA

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