Senior Functional Test Lead

PLANIT Group; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PLANIT Group is looking for a skilled Payroll Software Tester based in Virginia, Minnesota. The ideal candidate should have over thirteen years of experience in software development and quality assurance, focusing on ensuring software functionality meets payroll standards.

The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Thirteen years of experience in software development or quality assurance.
• Proficient in functional testing and identifying defects.
• Experience with payroll cycles and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Carry out testing procedures for payroll application standards.
• Document testing results and compliance with US Government standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure software meets requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Time management

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Testing tools (e.g., Rational, Mercury)

AI/ML tools

Agile project management software

Job description

Description

List of tasks to be performed:

• With limited direction, carry out procedures to ensure that Payroll application products and services meet organizational standards and end-user requirements.
• Evaluate and design testing procedures to ensure that software meets established quality standards.
• Develop and write testing scripts and plans to ensure that software functions as expected.
• Prepare complex data sets to test logic, error handling and system workflows.
• Conduct testing of more complex features and verify fixes.
• Monitor and document testing procedures and results are in compliance with required US Government Client Technology Solution Life Cycle (TSLC) standards.
• Functional Testing. Verify that each feature of the software works as specified in the requirements. Key types of functional testing includes:
  • Smoke Testing: Quick, initial testing for critical functions.
  • Regression Testing: Ensure new code changes haven't broken existing functionality.
  • End-to-End (E2E) Testing: Validate complete system/user flows from start to finish.
• Successful candidates will ensure quality software solutions that meet the specified requirements and reduce the risk of errors and customer dissatisfaction.

Knowledge with the following qualifications

• Motivated self-starter with excellent analytical, organization, and troubleshooting skills. Ability to invoke logical reasoning to analyze computer processes and results and make deductions based on the information available.
• Deep knowledge of software development cycle and testing methodologies.
• Proficient in running manual tests, and able to recognize when and how to incorporate automated testing processes to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses.
• Payroll domain knowledge.
  • Understanding of payroll cycles, tax calculations, deductions, benefits, etc.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
  • Payroll Calculations such as gross-to-net pay, benefits deductions, garnishments, bonuses.
  • Payroll Cycle end-to-end processes such as new hire onboarding, timesheet and HR integration, payroll simulation, paycheck creation, termination/final pay processing.
  • Retroactive calculations and back pay for salary revisions.
  • Basic understanding of accounting related to payroll.
• Experience using AI-driven tools that automatically generate test scripts based on system requirements, user stories, or existing application behavior.
• Attention to Detail. Critical for identifying discrepancies in payroll calculations that could lead to financial penalties or legal issues.
• Problem-Solving. Ability to analyze issues and payroll anomalies, determine if a discrepancy is a system bug or input error, and work with developers to resolve them.
• Strong Communication Skills. Ability to collaborate with key stakeholders, Solutions Architects, Product Owner, Managers and Developers.
• Time Management. Manage testing schedules to meet deadlines and payroll cycles.
• Excellent communication skills.

Working knowledge of one of more of the following qualifications

• DevSecOps
• Agile Scrum
• VersionOne or equivalent Agile project management software
• Knowledge of and experience with SDLC practices
• Payroll systems and processing
• AI/ML tools (CoPilot, WatsonX, ReDux, others) for code analysis, pattern recognition, or modernization support
• Mainframe knowledge a plus

Additional Required Skills/Experience

• A minimum of Thirteen (13) years experience in software development, software quality assurance/control, and/or related field.
• A degree from an accredited College/University in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline is preferred.
• Able to perform all functional duties independently on high-visibility programs, or mission critical aspects of a given program.
• Able to oversee the efforts of direct reporting resources and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific job.
• Experience training/mentoring less experienced personnel.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with formal software testing for complex software applications.
• Extensive experience testing software applications, identifying/documenting defects, and working with developers and end users to resolve defects.
• Extensive experience with multiple defect tracking tools (e.g. Rational, Mercury).
• Extensive experience authoring software-quality-related documentation such as requirements specifications, test plans, test cases, test scripts and test reports.
• Able to obtain Public Trust clearance.
• Excellent communication skills.