Gokul Pandy, M.B.A Project Management B.E. Electronics & Communication Engineer
9415 Meredith Creek Ln, Glen Allen, VA 23060
[email protected] /[email protected]
Cell phone (804)709-6460
IEEE & FELLOW IETE
SPECIALTIES
Pega Robotics Process and Desktop Automation:
- Implemented and developed automation solutions using Pega Robotics to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
Selenium Automation:
- Utilized Selenium for automated testing and RPA projects, achieving significant cost savings and improving accuracy.
Agile Methodologies:
- Applied Agile principles to manage and execute projects effectively, ensuring timely delivery and adaptability to changes.
AWS (Amazon Web Services):
- Certified in AWS, leveraging cloud solutions to optimize project performance and scalability.
SQL:
- Proficient in SQL for database management and data analysis, supporting various software development and automation projects.
Test Architecture in Healthcare and Financial Domain:
- Designed and implemented test architectures specifically tailored for healthcare and financial industries, ensuring robust and compliant solutions.
Budget Control:
- Managed project budgets effectively, ensuring financial efficiency and achieving cost savings.
Part of Accenture Technology and focuses on Functional & Automation Quality Engineering Delivery which specializes/aligned to Functional/Visual/API/IVR/Selenium and Robotics (RPA/RDA) testing including user experience to test capabilities and Migration; PEGA & other Desktop Apps, RPA/RDA, Mainframe, Chaos Engineering in Healthcare & Financial Domain. He is also Involved in execution using Open Span designer studio for PEGA Desktop Applications and certified in AWS Cloud Practitioner essentials. Having 16+ years of delivery experience with Accenture.
Accomplished Technology Development Manager with a proven track record at Accenture, enhancing project efficiency and negotiating cost-effective solutions. Expert in Robotics Process Automation and adept at complex problem-solving. Successfully balanced budget control with strategic planning, achieving key objectives within tight deadlines. Skilled in Agile methodologies and fostering team productivity
Education
2011 M.B.A Project Management 05/2010 – 12/2011
Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
2008 B.E, Electronics and Communication Engineering 04/2004 – 04/2008
Ananad Institute of Higher Technology affiliated to Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Experience
I have excelled in my professional duties for over 16 years at Accenture. Starting as an Associate Software Engineer in Bangalore in 2010, I transitioned to Richmond, VA, in 2015 as a Senior Software Engineer. My notable achievements include creating a macro tool to streamline claim processing, developing a chatbot for customer service, and initiating automation projects to enhance efficiency and accuracy. As an Associate Manager, I implemented a Selenium/RPA code, achieving $1M in savings. My recent work involved developing a framework to improve project migration and leading critical projects, managing resources both onshore and offshore.
12/2023 to Present: Application Development Manager –Accenture
- Lead a Team of more than 20+ resource from offshore and 4 from Onshore USA
- Part of IEEE Member and involved in creating a standard document for Testing under P3407 WG.
- Successfully delivered the project work as per the deadline and also involved in getting new contract to the company.
- Will be involved in writing and presenting proposal for the achievements made through the product of work which is involved.
- Presented project updates during executive meetings to maintain transparency around progress towards key objectives while addressing any concerns raised by leadership stakeholders.
- Balanced competing priorities and resource constraints to deliver optimal results within the context of project timelines and budgetary restrictions.
- Improved overall project efficiency by setting clear goals, milestones, and expectations for the development team.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers for cost-effective solutions that supported project requirements.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work. • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Directed product development efforts using industry-specific tools to increase sales and overall company productivity.
- Conducted regular risk assessments to proactively identify potential issues, allowing for timely resolutions before impacting project timelines. •
- Managed a cross-functional team of developers, QA analysts, and UX designers to create high-quality software products
12/2019 to 11/2023 Application Development Associate Manager –Accenture.
Project Leadership and Management:
- Lead and oversee the full lifecycle of application development projects from initiation to completion.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, maintaining high quality and client satisfaction.
- Develop project plans, allocate resources, and manage project schedules.
Client Relationship Management:
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients, understanding their requirements and ensuring their needs are met.
- Provide regular updates and reports to clients on project progress and address any issues or concerns promptly.
- Foster strong client relationships to ensure repeat business and long-term partnerships.
Technical Expertise and Guidance:
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to the development team, ensuring the use of best practices and the latest technologies.
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of application solutions, ensuring they meet client requirements and industry standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during the project lifecycle.
Resource Management:
- Manage and mentor a team of onshore and offshore developers, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
- Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify training and development needs for team members.
- Ensure optimal utilization of resources, balancing workloads and maximizing productivity.
Quality Assurance and Risk Management:
- Implement and oversee quality assurance processes to ensure high standards of deliverables.
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to address them proactively.
- Conduct regular project reviews and audits to ensure compliance with Accenture’s standards and client requirements.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
- Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in application development and incorporate them into projects.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team.
Stakeholder Communication:
- Facilitate effective communication between all project stakeholders, including clients, team members, and senior management.
- Prepare and deliver presentations and reports to stakeholders, summarizing project status, achievements, and areas for improvement.
- Ensure transparency and alignment among all parties involved in the project.
Financial Management:
- Monitor and control project budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.
- Identify and implement cost-saving measures without compromising on quality or client satisfaction.
- Provide financial forecasts and reports to senior management.
Compliance and Governance:
- Ensure all projects adhere to relevant industry regulations, standards, and Accenture’s internal policies.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of project activities, decisions, and outcomes.
- Conduct regular compliance checks and audits to ensure adherence to governance frameworks.
12/2017 to 11/2019 Test Engineering Specialist –Accenture.
Test Strategy and Planning:
- Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies and plans based on project requirements and specifications.
- Define test objectives, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with client expectations and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify testing requirements and create detailed test plans and schedules.
Test Design and Execution:
- Design and develop test cases, test scripts, and test scenarios to ensure thorough coverage of application functionality.
- Execute manual and automated tests to validate software performance, functionality, and reliability.
- Utilize various testing tools and frameworks to conduct functional, regression, performance, and security testing.
Defect Management:
- Identify, document, and report defects and issues found during testing.
- Work closely with development teams to analyze and resolve defects, ensuring timely fixes and retesting.
- Track and manage defect resolution progress, providing regular updates to stakeholders.
Automation and Tool Development:
- Develop and maintain automated test scripts and frameworks to enhance testing efficiency and coverage.
- Integrate testing tools and automation solutions into the CI/CD pipeline to support continuous testing and deployment.
- Evaluate and recommend new testing tools and technologies to improve testing processes and outcomes.
Quality Assurance:
- Ensure that all testing activities meet the required quality standards and project specifications.
- Conduct thorough reviews of test results and provide recommendations for improvements and enhancements.
- Implement and maintain quality assurance processes and best practices across testing activities.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, business analysts, and project managers, to ensure alignment on testing objectives and requirements.
- Communicate test progress, results, and issues effectively to stakeholders and provide actionable insights for decision-making.
- Facilitate test meetings and discussions, providing expertise and guidance on testing-related topics.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Create and maintain comprehensive test documentation, including test plans, test cases, test scripts, and test reports.
- Prepare and present detailed test reports and metrics to stakeholders, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
- Ensure proper documentation of test results and defect management processes for audit and compliance purposes.
Continuous Improvement:
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
- Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and methodologies in test engineering and incorporate them into testing practices.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the test engineering team.
Training and Mentoring:
- Provide training and mentorship to junior test engineers and team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.
- Support team development by conducting knowledge transfer sessions and providing guidance on testing methodologies and tools.
12/2014 to 11/2017 Test Engineering Senior Analyst –Accenture.
Software Development and Coding:
- Develop and write code for software applications based on project requirements and specifications.
- Participate in the design, development, and maintenance of software solutions using various programming languages and technologies.
Requirements Analysis:
- Collaborate with business analysts and stakeholders to gather and understand software requirements.
- Translate business needs into technical specifications and functional design.
Testing and Debugging:
- Conduct unit testing and debugging of code to identify and resolve defects and issues.
- Perform integration testing to ensure that different components of the application work together seamlessly.
Documentation:
- Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for code, including design documents, user manuals, and technical specifications.
- Document software functionalities, processes, and changes to ensure clarity and ease of maintenance.
Collaboration:
- Work closely with team members, including senior developers, project managers, and QA engineers, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Participate in team meetings, code reviews, and project discussions to contribute to the project’s success.
Code Maintenance and Support:
- Provide support for software applications, including troubleshooting issues and implementing fixes.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as updating software and applying patches, to ensure system stability and performance.
Learning and Development:
- Continuously update technical skills and knowledge by staying current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.
- Participate in training sessions, workshops, and other learning opportunities to enhance technical expertise and career growth.
Project Support:
- Assist in the execution of project tasks and deliverables as assigned by senior engineers or project leads.
- Support the development lifecycle, including design, coding, testing, and deployment phases.
Quality Assurance:
- Ensure that developed software meets quality standards and adheres to project requirements and specifications.
- Implement best practices for coding, testing, and documentation to maintain high-quality standards.
Client Interaction:
- Engage with clients or end-users, as needed, to gather feedback, address concerns, and understand their needs.
- Support client-facing activities and provide technical assistance during project implementations or issue resolution.
Problem Solving:
- Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to address and resolve technical challenges encountered during development.
- Use troubleshooting techniques to diagnose and fix issues in software applications.
Adherence to Processes:
- Follow established software development methodologies, processes, and standards as defined by Accenture.
- Adhere to project timelines and deliverables, ensuring compliance with project management guidelines.
09/2011 to 11/2014 Test Engineering Analyst –Accenture.
- Analyzed data requirements to reproduce defects and identified appropriate data sets for replicating and testing defects.
- Assessed the impact of defects and defined the necessary testing to validate the successful resolution of issues.
- Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in areas such as Annual General Meetings and Customer Services, providing assistance and knowledge transfer to team members as needed.
- Executed test scripts and validated results on the user interface (UI) and SQL database.
- Conducted peer reviews of results prepared by test execution teams to ensure accuracy.
- Communicated test results to key business stakeholders and demonstrated that components have been fixed.
- Created and executed regression test scripts, validating that the results align with expected outcomes.
- Reported new defects identified during the regression test cycle.
Quality Champion:
Role Description:
- Performed bi-weekly audits on process compliance within each team.
- Identified gaps in the process, if any.
- Conducted brainstorming sessions with other quality leads to propose solutions for process gaps.
- Provided bi-weekly status updates to respective leads on audit results for each team.
Product Test Engineer:
Role Description:
- Planned and prepared test cases for the offshore team as part of product testing and customization of the System Center Service Manager (SCSM – Microsoft) for Incident, Problem, and Change Management.
01/2010 to 09/2011 Associate Software Engineer –Accenture.
- Test Execution:
o Execute test cases and scripts as per the test plan to validate software functionality.
o Perform manual testing to identify defects and ensure software meets the specified requirements.
- Test Case Design:
o Assist in designing and creating detailed test cases based on software requirements and specifications.
o Ensure test cases cover all aspects of the functionality to be tested.
- Defect Identification and Reporting:
o Identify, document, and report defects or issues found during testing.
o Provide detailed information about defects, including steps to reproduce, screenshots, and expected versus actual results.
- Test Documentation:
o Maintain and update test documentation, including test plans, test cases, and test scripts.
o Document test results and observations accurately.
- Collaboration:
o Work closely with developers, business analysts, and other team members to understand requirements and functionality.
o Participate in team meetings to discuss test progress, issues, and any required changes.
- Regression Testing:
o Perform regression testing to ensure that new changes or fixes have not adversely affected existing functionality.
o Validate that previously fixed defects do not reappear.
- Test Environment Setup:
o Set up and configure test environments as needed for various testing phases.
o Ensure that the test environment is stable and accurately reflects the production environment.
- Test Data Management:
o Prepare and manage test data required for testing scenarios.
o Ensure test data is relevant and sufficient for validating various aspects of the software.
- Bug Tracking:
o Use bug tracking tools to log and track the status of defects.
o Follow up on the resolution of defects and verify fixes.
- Learning and Development:
o Continuously update knowledge about software testing methodologies and tools.
o Participate in training and development opportunities to enhance testing skills and understanding of software.
- Support and Assistance:
o Provide support to senior testers and other team members as needed.
o Assist in troubleshooting issues and providing feedback on the software.
- Feedback and Improvement:
o Provide feedback on the testing process and suggest improvements to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
o Identify areas for process improvements and collaborate on implementing solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Execute Test Cases: Carry out test cases as specified in the test plan to validate software functionality.
- Report Defects: Identify, document, and report any defects or issues discovered during testing.
- Test Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed test documentation, including test plans, test cases, and results.
- Collaborate with Team: Work closely with development and QA teams to understand requirements and discuss testing progress.
- Perform Regression Testing: Ensure that new changes do not affect existing functionality by conducting regression testing.
- Prepare Test Data: Manage and prepare test data for use in various testing scenarios.
- Support Test Environment Setup: Assist in setting up and configuring test environments for different testing phases.
- Learn and Develop: Engage in continuous learning to stay updated with testing tools and methodologies.
07/2008 to 01/2010 Software Engineer -Functional Testing–Contract to Accenture.
- Execute Basic Tests: Carry out manual tests based on predefined test cases and scripts to validate basic functionality.
- Report Issues: Identify and document defects, providing detailed information for resolution.
- Support Test Preparation: Assist in creating and managing test cases, test data, and test environment setup.
- Follow Processes: Adhere to established testing processes, methodologies, and documentation practices.
- Communicate Progress: Report test results and progress to team members and seek clarification when needed.
- Learn Continuously: Engage in ongoing learning to improve testing skills and knowledge of tools and techniques.
Significant Performance
I have listed which are my most significant achievements over a period of 16 years of my career.
10/2013 to 12/2013: I developed a macro project to automate the updating and loading of data from a database into an application. My key contribution was enabling the addition of functionality to forms, reports, and controls without writing code in a Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) module.
Impact:
- Efficiency: The automation project significantly reduced manual data updating, leading to faster and more accurate data handling.
- Productivity: Freed up time for employees to focus on more strategic tasks, enhancing overall productivity.
- Client Satisfaction: Clients benefited from quicker updates and more reliable data integration, improving their operational efficiency.
01/2016 to 06/2016: I created a macro tool in Mainframe that streamlined the Claim Processing system, allowing it to run with a single click after inputting two specific data points. My significant contribution was developing and implementing the macro with VB Script, which drastically reduced the processing time and allowed staff to focus more on customer calls and issue resolution.
Impact:
- Time Savings: Reduced the time required for claim processing, allowing staff to handle more claims in less time.
- Customer Service: Improved customer satisfaction by allowing staff to concentrate on customer calls and promptly address issues.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined the claim processing workflow, reducing bottlenecks and increasing throughput.
11/2016 to 11/2017: I developed a Chatbot tool to enhance customer service by recognizing specific phrases typed by users and providing relevant help or navigation. My significant contribution was the initial idea and implementation, such as using phrases like “Claims” to route directly to the appropriate screen, thereby reducing wait times and improving service levels.
Impact:
- Customer Experience: Enhanced customer experience by providing instant recommendations and navigation based on typed phrases, reducing wait times.
- Service Levels: Improved service level agreements (SLAs) by enabling quick responses to customer inquiries.
- Operational Cost: Reduced the need for human intervention in repetitive tasks, lowering operational costs.
06/2018 to 06/2019: I initiated and led a project to run automation during offline hours, significantly improving efficiency. My significant role involved understanding the functionality and flow of the system, leveraging my SME knowledge to validate the process. This project saved considerable associate time, helped meet SLA, maintained accuracy, and reduced member abrasion. I played a pivotal role in the first-ever Rapid Development Event for Pega Desktop, contributing to developing and testing within the given timeframe.
Impact:
- Resource Optimization: Allowed processes to run during offline hours, maximizing resource utilization.
- Time Savings: Saved significant time for associates, enabling them to focus on value-added activities.
- Accuracy and Compliance: Maintained high accuracy and compliance standards, reducing errors and ensuring regulatory adherence.
05/2020 to 01/2022: I created Selenium/RPA code for client onboarding, simplifying a tedious process, and maintaining SLA and KPI accuracy, resulting in $1M savings. My significant role was devising and implementing a solution when no one else could, capturing elements with a BDD Framework, and creating a reusable framework for various applications and projects beyond the Windows system.
Impact:
- Cost Savings: Achieved $1M savings by automating client onboarding processes, reducing manual effort, and minimizing errors.
- Efficiency: Streamlined the onboarding process, ensuring faster and more accurate client integration.
- Scalability: Created a reusable framework applicable to various applications and projects, enhancing scalability and adaptability
05/2023 to 02/2024: I developed a framework to convert the BDD Framework to the Spider Framework by eliminating Cucumber functions. I was responsible for identifying the impacts of this migration and updating the POM File. My significant contribution was translating Gherkin language to JavaScript and successfully presenting the results in our migration session.
Impact:
- Innovation: Pioneered the conversion from BDD to Spider Framework, eliminating the need for Cucumber functions and optimizing performance.
- Flexibility: Provided a more flexible and efficient framework for future projects, improving development speed and accuracy.
- Client Benefits: Clients experienced more reliable and faster software development cycles, leading to quicker time-to-market for their products and services
Overall Impact
- Societal Benefits: Enhanced technology solutions contributed to greater efficiency, reducing workload and stress for employees, and improving work-life balance. These advancements also led to better service delivery, benefiting society at large through improved access to services and information.
- Client Success: Clients experienced significant operational improvements, cost savings, and higher satisfaction levels. The technological innovations provided by these projects allowed clients to stay competitive and agile in their respective markets.
Professional Organizations and Honorary Societies
IEEE and IETE Fellow
Publications
It is in progress as I received some review comments and had to update those and submit them.
I have submitted a paper within Accenture Value 360 and received the award for it.
Peer Review of Articles
- Invited for Peer Review for the articles/paper submitted in IEEE-EMBS 21st International Conference on Body Sensor Networks (BSN) and the same has been updated in Web of Science.
- Invited to join an IEEE SA team collaboration space for C/S2ESC/P3407 WG
- Invited to PEGA World event in 2018 and 2019
Certifications Completed:
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- Web of Science Peer Review – 2024
- Selenium Automation – 2023
- PMP Course Completion – 2023
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – 2022
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – 2021
- SAFe Scrum Master – 2021
- PEGA Certified Robotics System Architect – 2019
- CSTP Certified Software Test Professional – 2011