Test Lead

**Application closing date**: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 - 11:59pm, Canberra time

**Estimated start date**: Monday, 03 February 2025

**Location of work**: ACT

**Working arrangements**:Hybrid Work From Home arrangements available and flexible.

**Length of contract**: 19 months

**Contract extensions**: 3 x 12 months

**Security clearance**: Ability to obtain Baseline clearance

**Rates**: $140 - $170 per hour (inc. super)

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Payday Super represents a transformative opportunity to modernize the Super Guarantee (SG) system, addressing the estimated $5.1 billion in unpaid SG annually and improving retirement incomes for millions of Australians. It introduces a core requirement for employers to make super contributions to funds within seven calendar days of payday, significantly accelerating current processes.

The implementation of Payday Super involves extensive collaboration across the SG ecosystem, including employers, digital service providers, gateways, clearing houses, super funds, and the ATO. Preparations include adapting systems, workflows, and compliance practices to meet the faster pace required by the new system. Legislative changes are being developed by Treasury, while the ATO and industry stakeholders work proactively to align with upcoming requirements.

Key to this transition is the ATO's enhanced capability to match Single Touch Payroll data with super contribution reports. This allows for proactive compliance monitoring and faster intervention when employers fail to meet obligations, ensuring more timely contributions for workers. Payday Super will drive significant operational and cultural shifts within the superannuation industry, requiring readiness for faster data processing and regulatory responses.

The ATO is seeking a skilled and proactive Test Lead to coordinate and oversee testing activities for the Payday Super initiative. This transformative program modernizes the Super Guarantee (SG) system, ensuring faster and more accurate superannuation contributions for millions of Australians. As Test Lead, you will take ownership of the day-to-day execution of testing activities, lead a team of Test Analysts, and ensure that all testing deliverables align with project objectives and compliance requirements. This is a key role in ensuring the quality and success of the program.

Key Responsibilities:

- Plan and oversee the execution of test cycles, including functional, integration, regression, and performance testing.
- Ensure all testing activities are conducted according to the test strategy and timeline.
- Lead a team of Test Analysts, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
- Allocate tasks, track progress, and ensure team members deliver high-quality work.
- Oversee the creation and execution of comprehensive test cases and scenarios.
- Validate that test cases cover all business and technical requirements, including legislative compliance.
- Manage the defect lifecycle, ensuring defects are logged, tracked, prioritized, and resolved effectively.
- Collaborate with developers and business analysts to investigate and address issues.
- Work closely with the Test Manager, business analysts, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure clarity and alignment.
- Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute to sprint planning and retrospectives.
- Prepare and deliver test progress reports, metrics, and defect summaries to the Test Manager and stakeholders.
- Maintain thorough documentation of test plans, cases, results, and processes.
- Ensure all testing activities comply with legislative and security requirements for Payday Super.
- Validate that systems meet the accelerated processing needs and data accuracy standards of the program.

Skills and Experience:

- Proven experience in a Test Lead or senior testing role for large-scale, compliance-driven projects.
- Strong understanding of testing methodologies, tools, and processes.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage a team and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in defect tracking and test management tools (e.g., JIRA, HP ALM).
- Knowledge of superannuation systems, Single Touch Payroll, or financial services.
- Familiarity with compliance testing in government or public-sector projects.
- Experience with test automation frameworks.
- ISTQB Foundation or similar testing certification.

**HOW TO APPLY**

**NOTE**: You are not required to meet all the Key Responsibilities and Skills and Experience criteria. However, your level of achievement in these areas will determine the APS level and corresponding remuneration you qualify for.