Senior Test Analyst

The Shoprite Group of Companies; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group in South Africa is seeking a highly skilled Senior Test Analyst to ensure robust payment systems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in testing card payment systems, a strong background in SQL, and a deep understanding of ISO 8583 message formats. Responsibilities include developing test plans, validating transaction processing, and collaborating with various teams to resolve defects and ensure compliance with payment standards. A degree in Information Technology and relevant certifications are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in testing card payment systems, specifically issuing and acquiring.
• Strong knowledge of Debit and Credit transaction standards.
• Deep understanding of ISO 8583 message formats.
• Experience with simulator and automated testing tools.
• Familiarity with PCI DSS compliance and security testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute test plans for card systems.
• Validate transaction processing against compliance standards.
• Analyse and interpret ISO 8583 messages.
• Document test results and manage defects.
• Collaborate with teams to resolve defects.

Skills

Testing card payment systems

SQL

Functional testing methodologies

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Information Technology

Formal software testing training (ISEB, ISTQB CTFL)

Advanced testing certification (ISTQB CTAL)

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented senior Test Analyst with deep expertise in card issuing and acquiring payments. The ideal candidate must have hands-on experience testing transaction flows in alignment with Debit or Credit Card standards, and a strong understanding of ISO 8583 message formats and data elements. This role requires an individual with proficiency in SQL, automated testing and simulator tools, and functional testing methodologies to ensure robust and compliant payment systems. As well as proficiency in reconciliation testing and settlement cycles.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and execute test plans and test cases for card issuing and acquiring systems.
• Validate transaction processing against Mastercard and Visa compliance standards.
• Analyse and interpret ISO 8583 messages, ensuring accurate data element mapping and transaction integrity.
• Identify and document key test scenarios and cases of high complexity and scale.
• Review final test cases with Test Lead and key stakeholders and drive and obtain sign-off.
• Perform end-to-end testing of payment flows including authorization, clearing, and settlement.
• Collaborate with developers, business analysts, third parties and QA teams to identify and resolve defects.
• Utilize SQL for data validation, test data preparation, and backend verification.
• Participate in regression, system integration, system and reconciliation testing cycles.
• Document test results, manage defects through their lifecycle, and provide detailed analysis for continuous improvement.
• Stay updated on industry standards and regulatory changes in card payments.
• Identify and obtain required test data, and ensure test environment setup (i.e., test server access and test logins).

Required Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in testing card payment systems (with the emphasis on issuing and acquiring).
• Strong knowledge of Debit and Credit transaction standards.
• Deep understanding of ISO 8583 message formats, MTI, DEs, and transaction lifecycle.
• Proficient in SQL for data analysis and validation.
• Experience with simulator and automated testing tools and scripting.
• Solid grasp of functional testing methodologies and QA best practices.
• Familiarity with payment gateways, switches, and transaction simulators.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with EMV, contactless, and mobile payment technologies.
• Knowledge of PCI DSS compliance and security testing.
• Degree or Diploma in Information Technology or a related field.
• Formal software testing training (e.g., ISEB, ISTQB CTFL).
• Advanced testing certified (e.g., ISTQB CTAL).
• Experience in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Extensive demonstrable experience in manual testing, SQL, and testing in an Agile environment.
• Expert knowledge of functional testing, system testing, integration testing, regression testing.
• Expert knowledge of structured test methods and processes.
• Extensive experience of testing complex user interfaces.
• Excellent understanding of testing concepts and the role of QA within Agile development methodology / Scrum management techniques.

If you don’t hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information collected as part of your application will be destroyed, securely, in accordance with South African legislation.