
Akshay Barve
Verified Expert in Engineering
Manual QA Developer
Toronto, ON, Canada
Toptal member since February 1, 2020
With 17 years in QA across diverse sectors, Akshay specializes in system integration, regression, and UAT for big clients like Apple and UBS. Passionate about blockchain and gaming, he mentors and supports NFT projects. As a Toptal and Braintrust QA specialist, Akshay delivers excellence.
Portfolio
Experience
- Functional Testing - 10 years
- Regression Testing - 10 years
- SAP Testing - 6 years
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) - 6 years
- System Integration Testing (SIT) - 6 years
- HubSpot CRM - 4 years
- Jira Administrator - 3 years
- Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC) - 3 years
Availability
Preferred Environment
HP QuickTest Professional (QTP), HP Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), TestRail, Jira, Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, HubSpot CRM, HubSpot Content Hub, SAP ERP
The most amazing...
...achievement I've had in my 17+ years in IT is excelling as a leader, team player, and avid learner and contributing to diverse projects and teams.
Work Experience
Product Owner | BA Analyst | IT Coach | Founder at ITWorks101
ITWorks101
- Launched ITWorks101, providing tailored workshops for business analysts (BAs) and quality assurance (QA) professionals. Delivered hands-on training in project dynamics, Agile methodologies, and essential BA practices.
- Guided website and mobile app projects as product owner, linking stakeholders and developers teams. Aligned business needs with Agile user stories through client collaboration.
- Managed over 8 product backlogs using Jira and Google Spreadsheets, aligning with project goals. Directed WordPress and mobile (Android and iOS) app projects, overseeing hybrid teams onsite and offshore.
- Conducted extensive workshops to boost business analysts' skills, covering interview preparation, resume building, and profile development. Customized sessions for newcomers and veterans alike, providing vital skills and industry knowledge.
- Directed and implemented 10+ crowd-testing projects, utilizing QA workshop attendees' expertise. Conducted rigorous tests on websites and apps, emphasizing usability, functionality, and accessibility compliance.
- Managed and upheld the Jira Agile tool, guaranteeing smooth project tracking. Regularly refreshed user stories, defects, and epics in diverse client projects, enhancing team communication and collaboration.
- Played a vital role in new team member onboarding, ensuring integration and access to demo environments and tools. Contributed to the BA community through knowledge sharing and mentorship.
- Held routine defect triage meetings and follow-ups with offshore devs, ensuring timely issue resolution. Identified process enhancement areas and implemented streamlined workflows for improved project efficiency.
- Crafted business/project proposals and SOW documents through stakeholder collaboration. Provided customized software solutions for web and mobile, aligning with business goals and user requirements.
- Set up and maintained HubSpot CRM, PayPal, and Stripe Payment for MICS Canada's Canadian Immigration services, adhering to IRCC guidelines throughout operations.
QA Engineer
Casper Sleep Inc - Customer Experience
- Initiated as a pilot QA resource and successfully led the expansion of the QA team to a team of four, establishing and enforcing QA standards and processes across two development teams and one production support team for release and sprint testing.
- Created thorough test strategy and plans for Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), Salesforce Order Management System (SF-OMS), and other Salesforce modules. Integrated with POS, Bedpost (order fulfillment), and JDE applications.
- Developed and meticulously maintained essential QA artifacts, including QA reports, test execution reports, and defect reports.
- Facilitated and guided multiple defect triage meetings using Jira with product owners and development managers throughout the system integration testing (SIT) and user acceptance testing (UAT)/business acceptance testing (BAT) execution cycles.
- Created over 400 test cases for SIT and end-to-end testing, ensuring seamless Salesforce integrations with 3rd-party applications such as Adyen, Braintree, PayPal, Affirm, Pay Bright, Bazaar Voice, Friend Buy, Bedpost, and JDE applications.
- Executed multiple testing cycles, including sprint testing, SIT, and BAT, across six releases of Salesforce implementation (SFCC and SF-OMS).
- Managed a team of two API testers to develop a comprehensive automated API regression test suite comprising over 56 endpoints across five applications, integrating test reporting in TestRail (test management system).
- Architected functional automation framework utilizing Test Cafe integrated with TestRail specifically tailored for eCommerce applications.
- Implemented and meticulously maintained a comprehensive test suite encompassing all test scenarios for regression and release testing on client Google Drive and TestRail platforms.
- Managed exploratory and cross-browser tests via Test.io to pinpoint defects on staging. Engaged in daily and weekly meetings with tech management, advocating for QA processes during Salesforce integration.
QA Test Engineer
Mission Control Marketing
- Executed extensive exploratory and regression testing protocols on the WordPress website, meticulously logging and managing over 35 defects using Google Drive and Google Spreadsheet for efficient defect tracking.
- Developed comprehensive test plans and meticulously crafted defect and test execution reports, highlighting critical insights and actionable recommendations to optimize product quality and performance.
- Generated execution and defect reports. Maintained testing artifacts in Google Drive, including screenshots, test cases, and defect reports. Shared with clients.
Manual QA Engineer (via Toptal)
Facerent Technologies Inc.
- Worked with Facerent Technologies Inc. as a QA specialist for their MVP NFT social media app. I reviewed the Jira backlog, MVP release plan, and Figma designs. Enriched user stories with acceptance criteria and test scenarios for sprint testing.
- Formulated a comprehensive test strategy for both current and future releases of their NFT MVP app, ensuring thorough coverage of testing requirements to maintain product quality and user satisfaction.
- Designed and executed payment test scenarios, rigorously testing payment integration with Stripe to ensure seamless transaction processing and user experience.
- Conducted extensive exploratory and regression testing on the web platform across multiple platforms and devices, meticulously tracking and managing defects in Jira to facilitate effective issue resolution.
- Implemented and maintained a comprehensive test suite comprising all test scenarios for regression and release testing, optimizing testing processes and ensuring test coverage on client Google Drive.
- Participated in weekly status, planning, and retrospective meetings, advocating for QA best practices and process improvements throughout the sprint cycle to enhance overall project efficiency and quality.
- Orchestrated the planning, execution, and management of end-to-end testing activities prior to the beta launch, ensuring readiness and quality assurance to the private investor group.
QA Engineer (via Toptal)
Tontine LLC
- Contributed as a QA specialist at Tontine LLC for their Shopify A/B testing app MVP release. I reviewed the Jira backlog, release plan, and Figma designs. Explored test environment for app functionality insights.
- Led thorough exploratory and regression testing across the web platform and multiple Shopify stores. Employed advanced testing methods to efficiently track defects in Jira, ensuring seamless user experiences.
- Developed and executed innovative payment test scenarios, meticulously testing payment integration with Stripe to ensure flawless transaction processing and uphold the highest standards of payment security and reliability.
- Established and maintained a robust test suite encompassing all test scenarios for regression and release testing, utilizing client Google Drive for streamlined test case management and documentation, optimizing QA processes for enhanced efficiency.
- Played a pivotal role in weekly status and planning meetings, advocating for QA best practices and process enhancements, showcasing leadership and strategic vision to drive project success and achieve quality-driven outcomes.
QA Engineer (via Toptal)
Feedback Loop Inc
- Led the implementation of QA processes for release and sprint testing within an agile team of eight, overseeing the enhancement of product quality and adherence to project timelines.
- Crafted a comprehensive test strategy for both current and future releases of Feedback Loop's survey management web-based product, ensuring thorough testing coverage and alignment with client requirements.
- Conducted extensive exploratory and regression testing on the web platform, meticulously tracking defects and facilitating efficient resolution through a Club House board, thereby ensuring optimal product performance and user experience.
- Established and managed a comprehensive test suite comprising all test scenarios for regression and release testing, leveraging client Google Drive for organized test case management and documentation, contributing to streamlined QA processes.
- Contributed to weekly status and planning meetings, serving as a vocal advocate for QA process optimization and adherence to quality standards throughout the sprint cycle, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Manual Tester
AAA Media
- Oversaw testing activities for AAA Media's influencer-based subscription platform across both web and iOS platforms, ensuring seamless functionality and user experience.
- Conducted regular exploratory and regression testing on the web platform, systematically tracking defects using a Trello board to facilitate efficient issue resolution and maintain product quality.
- Established and managed a comprehensive test suite encompassing all test scenarios for regression and release testing, utilizing Trello for organized test case management and documentation.
- Collaborated closely with the development team, actively contributing to the implementation of new features and conducting defect retesting during the sprint cycle to uphold product integrity and meet project deadlines.
- Participated in daily and weekly status meetings, providing updates on testing progress and status, fostering effective communication and alignment within the project team.
QA Lead
Cigniti Technologies - Holt Renfrew
- Managed system integration testing between SAP and external WMS systems and EDI integration for a legacy system migration to SAP project by sending weekly status reports to primary project stakeholders.
- Understood requirements by soliciting with business users to identify core business functionality to define the scope and develop test scenarios for systems integration (SIT) and end-to-end test scenarios for user acceptance testing (UAT).
- Oversaw comprehensive testing for SAP integration with DHL WMS (Manhattan), Hybris ECOM, Radial WMS, Fiori cloud-based app, and custom inventory, ticketing, and forecasting apps.
- Managed all of the testing artifacts in TestRail (test management tool) by defining test management structure and added 200+ reusable test scenarios for SIT and UAT execution cycles and tracking defects in Jira (defect management tool).
- Managed supply chain, retain stores in Fiori, and project structure business areas by eliciting with business owners and developing process documents (e.g. use cases, business process, and SOPs) to support business post-launch.
- Served as a test coordinator/lead managing communication between vendor IT teams and business owners (primary stakeholders) and presented go/no-go reports at formal project meetings.
QA Lead
Cigniti Technologies - Aecon
- Managed a cross-functional team for automating 700+ SAP regression test cases across all SAP modules (SD-PS, SCM, FICO, EQP, HR, MM) for Aecon.
- Worked closely with the Aecon project team to understand the business requirements and provided daily/weekly status reports (DRS/WRS).
- Acted as a subject matter expert (all SAP modules) in refactoring the old test cases and updated them as per the current business process by scheduling walk-through sessions with the Aecon SAP experts team (ACE team).
- Optimized the testing process and developed 25% additional test scenarios for the upcoming CR transports to validate integration points between SAP and non-SAP applications (Primavera P6, Hard Dollar).
- Implemented the BPT framework by contributing 20+ reusable functions in VBScript to support automation test script creation.
- Improved scripting standards by implementing a peer review process on automation test script creation.
- Automated around 40 test scripts using QTP/UFT and reviewed over 100 test scripts.
- Initiated and supported disaster-recovery testing using the NON-BPT automated regression suite.
QA Specialist
MyPlanet
- Carried out exploratory and regression testing during the sprints and presented summary reports upon completion to the senior leadership team.
- Used Agile methodology, designed test strategy/plan for user acceptance testing (UAT) phase for the Hayes & Jarvis travel web applications.
- Delivered a high volume of 450+ complex test scripts covering multiple interfaces and platforms.
- Implemented TestRail for the UAT phase; facilitated the UAT phase by executing and assigning test cases to the business users and coordinating with them to update the test results.
QA Specialist
Oracle - UBS/MUFG (Alternate Fund Services)
- Collaborated closely with business users at UBS/MUFG Alternate Fund Services within the Oracle OFS division to ascertain requirements, identify core business functionalities, delineate project scope, and formulate a comprehensive test strategy.
- Planned and executed lift and shift (data center migration) projects for transitioning 24 integrated applications from the London datacenter to the Ontario datacenter.
- Played an integral role in designing and documenting test processes and procedures aimed at enhancing testing standards within the UBS/MUFG testing division, contributing to improved efficiency and accuracy.
- Facilitated the onboarding process for new QA members during lift and shift projects, ensuring their smooth integration and proficiency within the team to maintain project momentum and quality assurance standards.
QA Specialist
MyPlanet
- Led the QA team in understanding cross-functional testing leverage to increase coverage and reduce test data management issues across multiple clients such as York University, Apple, D&H, Savvis Direct, and New Balance.
- Communicated issues identified during testing using defects tracking tools such as Jira, ensuring swift resolution and optimal software quality across diverse client projects.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams and the security team to ensure application security and audit readiness; enforced all tool standards and policies on all projects during operational tasks.
- Enhanced and streamlined QA processes, actively involved in recruiting and onboarding new QA professionals. Expanded the team to six members, bolstering QA capabilities for various clients.
- Initiated as the first QA resource and implemented QA standards and processes across four agile teams, ensuring consistent quality assurance practices across diverse client portfolios.
Senior QA Engineer | Automation Specialist
Ness Technologies - Pearson Clinical
- Estimated and analyzed the manual test scenario for automation and developed execution/creation schedule using Microsoft Visio.
- Coordinated with SMEs during the automated test script development process to gather test data for execution.
- Involved in process improvement activities by identifying the potential pitfalls and developing appropriate action plans.
- Developed test scripts for dynamic web applications using descriptive programming (advance VBScript).
- Implemented and maintained the automation framework by creating and maintaining shared functions libraries and reusable action scripts.
Senior QA Engineer | Automation Specialist
iGATE/Patni Computer Systems Ltd
- Developed functional/regression automated test solutions using HP-QTP/BPT that reduced manual test execution efforts.
- Created reusable manual and scripted components in coordination with functional experts (non-technical SMEs).
- Served as the single point of contact for the automation team in sales and distribution, finance and control, and material management business areas.
- Directed and assisted junior automation testers by providing them with appropriate process-related training.
- Performed release regression by executing the automation scripts and reporting application anomalies.
- Collaborated closely with non-technical SMEs to create reusable manual and scripted components, ensuring alignment with functional requirements and optimizing test coverage.
- Conducted extensive research to identify and recommend solutions for SAP ECC modules, leveraging innovative approaches to enhance system functionality and automate business processes.
- Assisted in executing system processes to support interfaces, reporting requirements, year-end reporting, and other critical business needs.
Experience
Holt Renfrew | SAP Retail Implementation
Oracle | UBS/MUFG (Alternate Fund Services - Fund Administration)
Myplanet | Drupal CMS Websites
Casper Sleep | Salesforce Implementation
Tontine | A/B Testing App MVP for Shopify Marketplace
Facerent Technologies Inc. | MVP for NFT App
Education
Graduate Certificate Program in Project Management
Humber College - Toronto, Canada
Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
University of Mumbai - Mumbai, India
Skills
Libraries/APIs
Salesforce REST API, React
Tools
SAP Quality Assurance (QA), Jira, HP QuickTest Professional (QTP), HP Quality Center (QC), HP Application Lifecycle Management (ALM), Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), Salesforce Marketing Cloud, HubSpot Content Hub, SAP Materials Management (MM), TestRail, BrowserStack, Xcode, Git, Trello, Snapchat, Microsoft Project, Postman
Paradigms
Functional Testing, E2E Testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Manual Testing, Scrum, Testing, Software Testing, Test Automation, Automation, Agile Project Management, Continuous Integration (CI), Web Architecture, Automated Testing
Platforms
Shopify, Mobile, Drupal 7, Drupal 6, Drupal 8, Drupal 5, WordPress, Drupal, Salesforce, iOS, Android, WooCommerce
Industry Expertise
Project Management, Retail & Wholesale
Languages
Java, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML
Frameworks
.NET, Cypress, Selenium
Other
Quality Assurance (QA), QA Testing, Reporting, Regression Testing, Integration Testing, System Integration Testing (SIT), SAP Testing, SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM), HP UFT, Exploratory Testing, Test Case Development, Test Design, Defect Management, UX Testing, QA Leadership, Team Leadership, IT Project Management, Business Processes, eCommerce, Manual QA, CRM APIs, UI Testing, Testing Strategy, Test Case Creation, Test Case Execution, Web App Testing, Salesforce Service Cloud, HubSpot CRM, Manual Software Testing, Mobile App Testing, Test Cases, Documentation, Agile QA, Cross-browser Testing, QA Test Plan Management, SAP Sales and Distribution (SAP SD), SAP Warehouse Management System (WMS), Jira Administrator, Beta Testing, QA Automation, API Testing, Mobile Applications, Accessibility Testing, Web Accessibility, A11Y, SAP ECC, SAP, Web Project Management, Project Planning, Project Discovery, Physics, Applied Physics, Advanced Physics, Coaching, Jarvis AI, GitHub Actions, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), Test Planning, SAP ERP, Bug Discovery & Tracking, Bug Triage, Time Management, Website QA, Content Management Systems (CMS)
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