Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Professional Experience
Generic
Ashesh Kumar Misra

Ashesh Kumar Misra

Toronto,ON

Summary

Strategic Quality Assurance and Engineering Leader with 14+ years of experience driving QA transformation, automation architecture, and digital modernization in banking and financial services. Expert in designing robust, scalable test automation frameworks for web, mobile web, and native applications using Python, Robot Framework, and Selenium. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, collaborating with senior executives, and delivering data-driven QA metrics and dashboards for executive decision-making. Strong foundation in software development (Java, J2EE) and hands-on experience in Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid SDLC models.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

QA Lead Architect With CIBC (DT)

Tata Consultancy Services
05.2022 - Current

• Lead QA automation strategy for CIBC’s digital banking modernization across desktops, mobile web, and native mobile platforms.

• Designed and maintained CORE automation frameworks using Python/Selenium and Appium with Robot Framework.

• Sound experience in designing robust and scalable test automation frameworks for web, mobile web, and native applications using Robot Framework and Python.

• Collaborated with upstream and downstream lines of business to design a scalable, end-to-end automation framework for the Digital line of business.

• Worked closely with senior executives to define QA dashboards and metrics (e.g., Transformation Deck, KPI metrics, Team Velocity) to support strategic decision-making.

• Entrusted with the smooth management of gating processes, ensuring seamless merging of automation scripts from feature to release branches.

• Managed a team of 4–5 QA engineers, overseeing task prioritization, training, and dashboard reporting to senior leadership.

• Conducted feasibility analysis, estimation, and planning for automation initiatives.

• Developed custom Python libraries and Robot keywords to extend automation capabilities.

• Supported CI/CD integration via Jenkins and GitHub; performed admin operations and troubleshooting.

• Coordinated with offshore teams and led resource planning and monthly billing operations.

• Delivered automation solutions across multiple CIBC lines of business: Digital, Wealth Management, Mortgage & Lending, Infrastructure, and Control Room Databases.

• Performed data analysis and built QA metrics using JIRA extracts, macros, and pivot tables to generate executive summaries.

  • Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance software performance and reliability.
  • Developed and implemented testing strategies to ensure product quality across diverse platforms.
  • Led QA team in executing comprehensive test plans and strategies for software releases.
  • Developed and implemented automated testing frameworks to enhance efficiency and coverage.
  • Mentored junior QA staff, fostering skill development and adherence to best practices.
  • Analyzed defect trends, driving root cause analysis to improve product quality continuously.

QA Automation Consultant, CIBC (DT)

Tata Consultancy Services
09.2018 - 04.2022
  • Led multi-workstream delivery assessing operating models (people, process, tools, tech) and Jira usage to drive cost optimization across SSDLC teams in Retail Banking.
  • Conducted 45+ stakeholder interviews, documented current state, performed gap analysis, and developed target state with a transition roadmap for continuous improvement.
  • Designed 9 dashboards across 3 personas, featuring 80+ metrics and KPIs to enable data-driven decision-making for senior leadership.
  • Developed and maintained automated test scripts for web applications using Selenium and Java.
  • Executed regression testing to ensure software quality and functionality across multiple releases.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify testing requirements and deliverables.
  • Mentored junior QA engineers on best practices in automation testing and tool usage.
  • Implemented continuous integration processes using Jenkins to streamline testing workflows.
  • Analyzed test results, reported defects, and ensured timely resolution in collaboration with development teams.
  • Enhanced existing test frameworks to improve efficiency and coverage of automated tests.
  • Managed defect tracking process using bug-tracking tools, providing timely updates on issue resolution progress to stakeholders.
  • Reduced manual testing time through the implementation of robust automation frameworks, optimizing resource utilization.
  • Established clear communication channels between developers and QA teams, fostering a collaborative work environment that prioritized problemsolving.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve critical software issues, ensuring a seamless user experience.
  • Streamlined QA processes by developing and maintaining automation scripts, contributing to faster release cycles.
  • Enhanced product reliability with thorough regression testing and continuous integration practices.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and drive project success.
  • Managed stakeholder relationships, ensuring alignment with project objectives and outcomes.
  • Developed strategic recommendations based on market analysis and client needs.
  • Mentored junior consultants, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
  • Streamlined workflows through the adoption of new tools and technologies.
  • Delivered comprehensive reports that informed decision-making for senior management.
  • Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.

Senior QA Automation Consultant

Tata Consultancy Services
07.2008 - 09.2018

Test automation using UFT 12.5, VB scripting, test management using HP ALM.

Involved in automation feasibility study, automation scripting, release regression testing, reporting metrices etc.

Review of scripts for sign-off and roll-out to the concerned teams for execution.

Debugging failed scripts and troubleshooting script related issues.

Used TFS for Source Code management of automation scripts.

Training and induction of new hires

Facilitated workshops and training sessions to enhance team collaboration and knowledge transfer among stakeholders.

Early career experience in application development using Core Java, J2EE (Struts 2.0), SQL, and PL/SQL.

Education

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) - Electronics & Telecommunications

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
Bhubaneswar, India
06-2008

Skills

  • QA Expertise: Test strategy, automation frameworks, defect management, QA transformation, Reporting
  • Consulting & Strategy: RFPs, PoVs, operating model design, stakeholder engagement, Gap assessment
  • Project Delivery: Release planning, RAID logs, regulatory compliance, data migration, dashboard design, metrics-driven decisioning
  • Tools Proficiency: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Excel, MS Project, Jira, Confluence
  • AI & Innovation: AI enablement using Cursor AI Editor and GitHub Copilot in QA, Agentic AI use case;
  • Learning prompt engineering to develop E2E core banking scenarios, Test suites, Selenium based BDD and Hybrid framework design etc
  • Regression testing
  • Cross-browser testing
  • Test case design
  • Mobile app testing
  • Quality metrics analysis
  • Usability testing
  • Test strategy development
  • Software development lifecycle
  • Test automation expertise
  • Stakeholder management
  • Requirements analysis
  • Defect management
  • Continuous integration
  • Excellent researching skills
  • Issue resolution
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Management consulting
  • Problem-solving
  • Continuous improvement
  • Test planning
  • Web and mobile application QA
  • Bug tracking and resolution
  • Defect monitoring
  • Defect tracking and reporting
  • Root-cause analysis
  • Software development tools: JIRA, confluence
  • Scrum methodology
  • Developing quality standards
  • Cross-platform testing
  • Automated testing frameworks
  • Cross-functional team collaboration
  • Problem-solving abilities

Accomplishments

· Microsoft certified – Azure Data Scientist Associate certification

· Ascent Leadership Program

· SCJP – Sun Certified Java Programmer

· Patent Holder – System and Method for Managing Role-Based Access Controls of Users (Publication No: 20140090026)

Languages

English
Full Professional

Certification

  • TOGAF 10 EA Foundation Level
  • ISTQB certified, BCS
  • Azure AI fundamentals, Microsoft Generative AI fundamentals
  • Databricks
  • Certified Scrum Master, Scrum Alliance
  • Agile Project Management, Udemy
  • Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Global Knowledge

Timeline

QA Lead Architect With CIBC (DT)

Tata Consultancy Services
05.2022 - Current

QA Automation Consultant, CIBC (DT)

Tata Consultancy Services
09.2018 - 04.2022

Senior QA Automation Consultant

Tata Consultancy Services
07.2008 - 09.2018

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) - Electronics & Telecommunications

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

Professional Experience

  • 1. Program Testing Lead – Digital Transformation & Migration (Canadian Bank) PwC Canada | Toronto, ON | Aug 2025—Present
  • Currently leading the design of the overall testing strategy for a large-scale banking transformation program, covering functional, non-functional, and migration testing.
  • Driving alignment with client and delivery stakeholders through working sessions to finalize the test approach, operating model, and governance structure.
  • Defining standards for test and defect management using JIRA and XRAY, along with strategies for E2E test automation, environment management, and Test Data Management (TDM).
  • Building the foundation for QA reporting dashboards to support both daily operations and executive-level insights
  • 2. PMO – Finance Modernization Program (CIBC) PwC Canada | Toronto, ON | Jan 2025—Aug 2025
  • Collaborated with the client’s Program Management Office to oversee governance, planning, and execution across diverse workstreams.
  • Facilitated alignment between business units, technology teams, and executive leadership.
  • Managed program-level RAID logs monitored program milestones and reviewed weekly status reports.
  • Handled PwC team travel expense reporting and maintained oversight of project budgeting and invoicing.
  • 4. Delivery Lead – SDLC Assessment & Jira Intelligence (NBC) PwC Canada | Toronto, ON | Jun 2024—Nov 2025
  • Led multi-workstream delivery assessing operating models (people, process, tools, tech) and Jira usage to drive cost optimization across SSDLC teams in Retail Banking.
  • Conducted 45+ stakeholder interviews, documented current state, performed gap analysis, and developed target state with a transition roadmap for continuous improvement.
  • Designed 9 dashboards across 3 personas, featuring 80+ metrics and KPIs to enable data-driven decision-making for senior leadership.
  • 5. Test Manager (Phase2), Release Manager (Phase1) – High Velocity IT (Global Excel Management) PwC Canada | Toronto, ON | Nov 2023—May 2024
  • Led a team of junior consultants to assess the current-state operating model for Releases, Testing, and DevOps; delivered target-state recommendations and a strategic roadmap.
  • Defined test strategy and built an automated regression suite for the inaugural launch of the Member Portal—client’s first claims management platform.
  • Established release calendar, tracked milestones, maintained test environments, and managed release risks, issues, and dependencies.
  • 6. Test Data Manager & Data Conversion Lead – Core Banking Migration (BMO-BOTW) PwC Canada | Toronto, ON | Nov 2022—Oct 2023
  • Co-designed end-to-end testing strategy and scenarios for customer migration from Bank of the West to BMO systems, including test data planning and execution.
  • Led data migration strategy for onboarding BOTW customers into BMO platforms.
  • Directed data conversion planning, validation, and execution across multiple systems.
  • 7. Prior Experience | 2008–2022
  • Manager (QA Lead / Architect), Cognizant Technology Solutions, Toronto, ON
  • Senior Automation Specialist, Goodfood Markets, Toronto, ON
  • Senior Automation Consultant, CIBC, Toronto, ON
  • Assitant Consultant (QA Lead), TCS Ltd, Bhubaneswar, IN
Ashesh Kumar Misra