Quality Assurance Analyst

Job DescriptionATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps.Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.ASCEND Program InformationSouthern Company is committed to building the future of energy for the customers who depend on us, the communities we serve and the industry we lead. The ASCEND program will transform how we do business, helping us elevate the customer experience, adapt to industry changes, and implement technology that offers new capabilities with more agility. It will involve implementing multiple applications, including the replacement of our meter data management (MDM) and customer service systems (CSS) with a new, Oracle customer information system (CIS) called customer to meter (C2M). Additionally, it includes implementing an advanced analytics platform (AAP), customer experience (CX) and customer engagement platform (CEP).The new platform, to be rolled out to Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power, will be implemented in phases over the next four years. Currently, we are building an ASCEND organization dedicated to helping the electric operating companies realize the vision for a modernized, efficient, digital customer experience to deeply engage with our customers and provide a more personalized experience. ASCEND will be one of the most comprehensive Customer Service and Marketing transformation initiatives in our company's history.Positions within the CIS Program will be filled based on the job requirements and the business needs and overall project scope. Candidates should answer all applicable questions thoroughly as this information will be used to select the successful candidates.While these roles are expected to be hybrid work, approximately 25% travel is anticipated and for this reason, it is preferred that resources are located within the electric service territory. The successful candidate will remain an employee of the operating company while reporting to the CIS/MDM Project Team and may report to a Southern Company Services or operating company leader for delivery.Job SummaryThe ASCEND Channel Remediation team is seeking a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst. The QA Analyst is responsible for creating and assisting in the development and execution of manual, automated, and exploratory tests for the Customer Preference Center and the integration into customer facing websites and middleware applications, using proven testing methodologies. The candidate will actively participate within the Customer Preference Center workstream team and work closely with development teams in an agile environment. The candidate will be required to review functional requirements to assess the impact on the software applications and business processes, formulate test cases, and assist the agile teams with backlog grooming and provide feedback on acceptance criteria. The QA Analyst tasks include logging, tracking, troubleshooting and escalation of issues identified during testing cycles. Additional responsibilities include maintaining testing evidence for each test as proof of validation, evaluate testing effectiveness, and provide improvement feedback for testing processes.MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIESAssist the Business Process Leads in detailing the requirements, refining user stories, documenting acceptance criteria, breaking use cases to user stories and defining business rules and scenariosProvide guidance on process/data flows, reporting and data source requirementsGather and document requested business informationAssist in translating user stories and use cases into test conditions and expected results for product and user acceptance testingResponsible for the creation and execution of manual test cases for all phases of testingResponsible for working with Automation testers to provide functional knowledge that provides input to automated testing strategyWork closely with other ASCEND program members to identify, track, and resolve defectsThoroughly document test results and assist with tracking key testing metrics and conduct periodic reviews to measure and ensure consistent progressEmbrace the To-Be vision of the program and support team decisionsCommunicate with Organizational Readiness team as processes are defined and potential impacts are identifiedModel "Our Values": Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance in all endeavorsAct with initiative, speed, and decisivenessBuild productive relationships with a focus on cooperation & teamwork with various levels of the programDemonstrate initiative and drive to deliver positive resultsSelf-motivated, proactive, and able to act with a sense of urgencyDeliver assignments with a high degree of quality, accuracy, and timeliness without follow-upCandidates that meet the below qualifications are encouraged to apply.JOB REQUIREMENTS:BS/BA in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related degree preferred.Knowledge of business functions and applications related to customer service to understand basic functioning of Customer Preference Center (CPC), CSS and Oracle Service Cloud, Online Customer Care (OCC) web site, Voice Response Unit (VRU), or other related customer service and billing applicationsUnderstanding of data flow processes and architecture associated with customer preferences, proactive communications, and customer service alerts to translate user stories and create test cases for user acceptance testingUnderstand business and functional requirements and associated testing to ensure they meet business needs and create efficienciesAdaptable to change and able to work in a fast-paced environmentInterpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with business partners, various program teams, and agile team membersExperience taking initiative and being a self-starter in day-to-day responsibilities Excellent root cause analysis, problem-solving and analytical skills with ability to identify and document test plans, defects, and resultsMeticulous attention to detailEffectively organizes tasks, manages multiple priorities/details, and meets tight deadlinesUnderstanding of SDLC and Agile processesTechnical AptitudeExperience with automated regression testing, performance testing, and an application quality management solution preferredExperience with HP UFT or similar testing tools preferredSoftware Tester Certification is desired, but not requiredAdapts quickly to changing conditions and effectively manages multiple prioritiesStructured Software Testing Experience preferredThe location for this position is flexible between Atlanta, Birmingham, and Gulfport.