Sr. Quality Assurance & Testing Analyst

The Senior Quality Assurance Analyst (Sr. QAA) oversees all aspects of quality across the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Leads the delivery of improved product quality through the coordination and execution of software quality assurance and testing practices across a functional area. The position tracks and reports metrics related to testing and quality levels, and acts as the point person within a functional area for all testing-related discussions and issues. Ensures the adequate level of validation is performed to meet quality goals. Coordinates and acts as contact for all aspects of testing. Works closely with the business, development and requirement teams and acts as a driver for Testing best practices and feedback loop. Works across project and service teams performing on multiple enterprise level projects/initiatives. Oversees and directs testing activities with testing teams both onshore and offshore.
Using enterprise-standard tools and processes, the position is responsible for the design and creation of all testing artifacts that are used to identify, analyze, and document program flaws. Using a team of off-shore and on-shore testers to create and execute test cases, this position directs and coordinates their activities to ensure that software releases and program documentation conform to programming and customer specifications
The Sr. QAA must be capable of performing under less direction on multiple/complex projects and can be assigned as a mentor to work closely with peer and lower-level team members, guiding them to execute job functions and related processes in alignment with company standards.
New York Residents Only: The estimated base salary for this role is $101,300 - $136,700 / year. Base salaries are determined in part based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographical work location. In addition, most of our roles are eligible for variable pay in the form of bonus, commissions, and/or long-term incentives depending on the role. We also have a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that support all aspects of your health and well-being.
Responsibilities

• Manage and actively participate in the test defect resolution process; including producing comprehensive defect descriptions, identify the cause, scope, risks and impact of a problem and facilitating defect reviews. Provide feedback to technology teams and business partners on design and usability improvements. Validate all product fixes and escalate issues that may affect the schedule, budget or quality of the product or testing process. Verify compliance of test processes on all projects.
• Assists in the adoption of relevant quality/testing metrics into other functional areas
• Deliver quality process training to technology teams and act as an internal quality consultant to advise and influence business partners and the technology teams. Provide testing expertise and coach/mentor the testing team around best practices in quality assurance methodologies, practices and techniques (this includes more junior Quality Assurance Analysts as well as the broader technology project teams).
• Assists in the definition and assurance of necessary SOX compliancy controls.
• Advises, coaches, and mentors the activities of QAA I and II level team members
• Assists with the selection and adoption of new testing tools within the QA Community
• Design and develop the test approach, test plan and test schedule to effectively validate technology projects on both functional requirements and technical specifications. Write test cases/scripts, create test data and document expected test results. Design processes for test case automation and test execution. Review system specifications and documentation at appropriate points in the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Define, track and publish quality assurance metrics related to each project.
• Effectively plan, manage and execute the testing process to validate that all functional and non-functional requirements are met. Maintain records of all test results using the designated tool set. Provide consistent and timely test execution status reporting to the project team and business partners. Review system and functional documentation as part of the testing process and make suggestions for changes or improvements where required. Actively participate in project phase end review sessions.
• Applies new, relevant industry QA/testing standards or technology to assigned business function projects for example metrics, testing tools, automation, etc.
• Leads and/or engages in cross-functional area projects / issues.
• Develops documentation, standards, guidelines, or templates to be used by other QAAs.
• Demonstrate an expert knowledge level of and be a vocal champion for the use of quality assurance principles, advanced testing tools, processes, quality control methodologies and other technology advances. Develop, continually improve and document the Ameriprise testing standards and procedures. Ensure that the appropriate testing methodologies are applied on all assigned projects. Incorporate industry standard quality assurance testing standards and tools into the Ameriprise testing processes.
• Establishes, builds, and maintains strong relationships with business stakeholders, subject matter experts, functional domain leadership, and other Technical Service disciplines and service teams.
• Translate business partner needs into functionally sound test plans. Analyze and understand industry testing and compliance requirements in addition to specific business partner requests and needs. Participate in business requirements discussions, design sessions and functional specification reviews with the technology teams and business partners. Ensure that test plans adequately test the functionality, interfaces, performance, and data integrity of the project.
• Plans, supervises, and tracks the activities of less senior QAA team members

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or equivalent education
• 5 - 7 years’ experience
• 5+ years software testing experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled knowledge in testing concepts, tools and methodologies working in a highly regulated environment/industry
• CSTA, CSTE, CTM certifications
• Advanced user experience within the assigned technology domain
• Demonstrated use of advanced automated testing tools
• Expert level knowledge with Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) concepts
• Experience creating test automation scripts with VB and/or JavaScript
• Functional knowledge of assigned assets - from both the technical and user perspective
• Demonstrated experience using version control systems and automated testing tools and using scripting languages
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Experience understanding and writing SQL queries
• In depth quality assurance testing experience within the Financial Services industry (i.e. broker-dealer, advisor distribution, asset management, insurance, etc.)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

About Our Company
Millions of people around the world rely on Columbia Threadneedle Investments to manage their money. We're intentionally built to help our clients succeed, backed by a global team of 2,000 people including more than 450 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. At Columbia Threadneedle, you’ll find the promise we make to our clients is the same one we make to our employees: Your success is our priority. In addition to our competitive total rewards package, employees stay with us because of our culture and commitment to their development. And, backed by the strength of our parent company, Ameriprise Financial, we are committed to providing you with the tools, resources, recognition and rewards to help you shape the career you want.
Ameriprise Financial is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, gender identity, disability, veteran status, marital status, family status or any other basis prohibited by law.