Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Derrick Yao AKYEA

Waterloo,ON

Summary

I am a results-driven and highly skilled Platform Engineer with extensive experience in IT governance, Infrastructure, and cloud engineering. In the banking sector I excel at implementing robust IT controls to ensure compliance with regulations while optimizing cloud-based and on-premises solutions for enhanced performance and security. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams, I streamline application deployment, adopt DevOps practices, and automate tasks to drive operational efficiency. My unique skill set bridges IT governance and cloud engineering in creating a secure and high-performing environment that delivers exceptional results. I am eager to contribute my expertise to an innovative organization and make a meaningful impact on its success.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Platform Engineer

Absa Bank
Accra, Ghana
07.2023 - Current
  • Spearheaded the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud-based infrastructure on AWS, guaranteeing optimal performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for critical banking applications.
  • Lead all build-the-bank projects
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments and internal audits to identify potential security vulnerabilities and regulatory compliance gaps, and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
  • Establish and enforce IT policies and procedures, including access controls, data privacy, incident response plans, and disaster recovery protocols, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
  • Lead incident response efforts, analyze security incidents, and implement remediation strategies to maintain a secure and resilient cloud environment.
  • Collaborate with development and operations teams to promote the adoption of DevOps practices, streamline application deployment, and automate routine tasks for increased efficiency and reduced time-to-market.
  • Monitor cloud resources, analyze performance metrics, and recommend optimization strategies to enhance system reliability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Liaise with external auditors and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with industry standards, data protection regulations, and other applicable guidelines.
  • Manage vendor relationships, conduct vendor assessments, and enforce security requirements for third-party service providers to safeguard the organization's interests.

Cloud Engineer

Absa Bank
Accra
07.2021 - 06.2023
  • Successfully built and maintained Absa's cloud infrastructure using AWS.
  • Led the migration of on-premises infrastructure to the cloud.
  • Developed and maintained automation scripts using Terraform.
  • Implemented security and compliance controls to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Provided 24/7 on-call support for the cloud infrastructure.
  • Offered technical guidance to the development team to ensure best practices.
  • Monitored and reported on IT risks and vulnerabilities.
  • Conducted regular audits and risk assessments on IT infrastructure.
  • Ensured backup management and periodic review of all IT infrastructure.

Server Support Analyst

Absa Bank
Accra
06.2017 - 06.2021
  • Planned and managed appropriate Windows and Linux server needs for the Bank.
  • Lead server vulnerability remediation and management team
  • Provided support for IT infrastructure throughout the working day.
  • Optimized IT infrastructure for efficient use and capacity management.
  • Conduct daily backups and restore of data when necessary.
  • Lead patches and updates management for compliance.
  • Managed projects related to IT systems based on governance risk and control policies.
  • Monitored and managed all storage infrastructure of the Bank.
  • VM/Nutanix and storage infrastructure setup and management.
  • Manage both production and disaster recovery data centers

End-user Support Analyst

Barclays Bank
Accra,
08.2014 - 05.2017
  • Managed and provided user support for all internal client desktops, printers, and applications.
  • Administered MS Exchange servers and IT assets.
  • Diagnosed and resolved hardware/software faults.
  • Accurately diagnosed and repaired computer hardware at the component level.
  • Managed desktop migration from Windows XP to Windows 7.
  • Conducted regular maintenance of the end-user environment and related infrastructure.
  • Managed all mobile and BYOD.
  • Built the asset database of all end-user devices
  • Lead the procurement of all end-user hardware and software

Systems Administrator (Windows and Linux)

Tech Mahindra
Accra, , Ghana
10.2012 - 12.2013
  • Active directory administration and maintenance
  • Manage user and computer accounts
  • Manage the user, and computer environment by using Group Policy.
  • Perform daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems, and key processes, reviewing system and application logs, and verifying completion of scheduled jobs such as backups
  • Apply OS patches and upgrades on a regular basis and upgrade administrative tools and utilities.
  • Configure/add new services as necessary.
  • Handled incoming service desk support requests professionally and efficiently for swift, effective resolution.
  • Performed regular maintenance of the server environment and related infrastructure for optimized system performance.
  • Carried out effective fault-finding and remediation for vendor problems in line with service level agreements.

Computer Technician

Electoral Commission Ghana
Accra, , Ghana
01.2011 - 12.2012
  • Diagnose and solve hardware/software faults
  • Install, configure, monitor, and maintain computer systems and network voter registration and elections.
  • Member of the IT team that implemented the first biometric voter register in Ghana.
  • Voter registration for Ghana missions in the USA, Brazil, and Cuba

Teaching Assistant/IT System Support

Presbyterian University
Tema,, Ghana
10.2008 - 01.2012
  • Install, configure, monitor, and maintain computer systems and networks for the university
  • Diagnose and solve hardware/software faults and replace hardware parts if required.
  • Run network applications to support administration systems and student
  • Test and evaluate new technology for the University
  • Conduct electrical safety checks on computer equipment
  • Set up new users onto the university's IT system
  • Assist students as a research assistant on academic-related issues
  • Lectured students on computer application skills
  • Advised students on academic paths and questions regarding course content.
  • Tutored students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts as a Teaching Assistant

Education

Postgraduate Certificate - Virtualization And Cloud Computing

Conestoga College
Waterloo, ON
12-2024

Postgraduate Certificate With Merit - Management Information Systeem

Coventry University
UK
04-2015

Bachelor of Science - Information And Communication Technology

Presbyterian University
Ghana
05-2008

Skills

  • Load Balancing
  • Capacity Planning
  • Application security
  • Virtualization Technologies
  • Incident Response
  • Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Linux System Administration
  • Infrastructure as Code
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Written Communication
  • Decision-Making
  • Backup technologies
  • Windows server administration
  • Endpoint security tools(Crowdstrike)
  • Microsoft productivity tools(Microsoft 365)

Certification

  • PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer
  • EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker v10
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
  • ITIL
  • Nutanix subject matter expect

Accomplishments

  • Member of the team that implemented ISO 27001 requirements for Absa Bank Ghana
  • Shared folder migration from NetApp to Nutanix AFS
  • Core banking application migration from MS Server 2003 to MS Server 2012
  • Email Migration to Office 365
  • OS migration for 1400 desktops and laptops
  • Penetration test remediation
  • IT audit for BTL Africa

Timeline

Platform Engineer

Absa Bank
07.2023 - Current

Cloud Engineer

Absa Bank
07.2021 - 06.2023

Server Support Analyst

Absa Bank
06.2017 - 06.2021

End-user Support Analyst

Barclays Bank
08.2014 - 05.2017

Systems Administrator (Windows and Linux)

Tech Mahindra
10.2012 - 12.2013

Computer Technician

Electoral Commission Ghana
01.2011 - 12.2012

Teaching Assistant/IT System Support

Presbyterian University
10.2008 - 01.2012

Postgraduate Certificate - Virtualization And Cloud Computing

Conestoga College

Postgraduate Certificate With Merit - Management Information Systeem

Coventry University

Bachelor of Science - Information And Communication Technology

Presbyterian University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Derrick Yao AKYEA