Our client is looking for an experienced Test Architect to lead the end-to-end testing strategy and governance for a TCS BaNCS Payments module upgrade. This role will ensure Quality Intelligence across all phases of testing, covering payment flows, lifecycle validations, system integrations, compliance checks, and non-functional testing. The Test Architect will define the test architecture, oversee execution, and ensure seamless migration assurance for critical payment systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Test Strategy & Architecture:
• Define and implement the overall test strategy for BaNCS v10 ? v14 upgrade.
• Establish test architecture, frameworks, and governance models for functional and non-functional testing.
• Scope Coverage & Planning:
• Ensure comprehensive validation of payment flows, including:
• SWIFT-based cross-border transactions (MT/ISO formats).
• SAMOS (NPS/CLS) high-value real-time settlements.
• IBCS (FX settlement) and SIRESS (SADC regional) processing.
• Gateway flows for high-value, low-value, domestic, and cross-border payments.
• Validate payment lifecycle and business rules: initiation, validation, routing, fraud/AML checks, accounting.
• Integration & Compliance Testing:
• Oversee testing of system and downstream integrations: GL posting, Fircosoft (OFAC), Incentage, TIBCO, Orchestrator, GPP, IDNA, Vanguard, Rates, Charges Engine.
• Validate SWIFT Alliance (SAA), 2FA, MFT, MIS/reporting feeds.
• Ensure compliance with SARB, BankservAfrica, and regulatory reporting (IFTR, BOP, FATF, KYC).
• Non-Functional Testing:
• Define and manage performance, security, and resilience testing strategies.
• Governance & Quality Assurance:
• Drive Build Verification Testing, System Integration Testing, Product Validation, and UAT support.
• Ensure alignment with risk-based testing and regulatory mandates.
• Stakeholder Management:
• Collaborate with client teams, TCS product teams, and testing partners for seamless delivery.
• Provide status reporting, metrics, and quality dashboards to senior stakeholders.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Domain Expertise:
• Deep understanding of banking payment systems, critical payment rails, and regulatory frameworks.
• Technical Skills:
• Strong experience in test architecture design, automation frameworks, and integration testing.
• Familiarity with SWIFT MT/ISO message formats, real-time settlement systems, and AML/Fraud systems.
• Tools & Processes:
• Proficiency in test management tools (JIRA, ALM), automation tools (Selenium, Tosca), and performance/security tools (JMeter, Burp Suite).
• Leadership:
• Proven track record in leading large-scale migration testing programs in banking domain.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Certifications: ISTQB Advanced Test Manager, Certified Test Architect, or equivalent.
• Prior experience in TCS BaNCS Payments module and payment system upgrades.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.