Senior Software Tester at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

Job Purpose

• To execute test cases of both medium and high complexity, relating to both system function and process, as well as the identification and logging of defects in accordance with SARS standards. Also may be required to carry out basic system testing without the presence of formal test cases and within agile development environments. 

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• National Diploma / Advanced Certificate (NQF 6) in Information Technology AND 2-3 years’ experience in a software testing environment, of which 1-2 years at a knowledge worker level

ALTERNATIVE #

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 5 years’ experience in a software testing environment, of which 1-2 years at a knowledge worker level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Software testing - Have a working knowledge of the following applications: MS Word, MS Excel and HP Quality Centre. 

Job Outputs:

Process

• Execute test cases captured and assigned within QC.
• Execute varied range of multiple complexity test cases as assigned and defects recorded as per divisional policy and procedures.
• Actively participate in all Testing Levels (Unit / Systems/ Regression/ Stability / Distribution / Disaster recover, etc.)
• Actively participate in the Testing Life-Cycle.
• Apply and utilise systems in a manner that ensures efficient and effective service delivery, optimised quality, financial accuracy and calculation.
• Be observant and engage on possible violations of procedures and standards of conduct and escalate where necessary.
• Capture defects within QC in accordance with SARS defect reporting standards.
• Manage the early identification of defects and systems failures.
• Perform backward compatibility testing of latest software versions that not all users may be running on.
• Perform compatibility testing to prevent software failure due to compatibility between application software, operating systems or operating systems versions such as Desktop Applications, Web Browsers i.e Internet Explorer new versions etc.
• Take accountability for delivery of contracted work outputs within agreed parameters, quality standards and client service targets.
• Test activities that verify a specific action or function of the application and test objective and output answers the questions: "can the user do this" or "does this particular feature work?"
• Update QC to reflect testing progress.
• Accumulate information and provide reports with recommendations applicable to area of specialisation. 
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks. 
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation. 
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs. 
• Effectively plan and schedule own activities to continuously improve quality and service delivery in area of specialisation. 
• Execute process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support related to new requirements as a result of the change. 
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and process, product and risk optimisation. 
• Use practical and applied knowledge and situational judgement to arrive at decisions. 

Governance

• Comply to set governance and compliance procedures and processes related to an area of specialisation and continuously identify and escalate risks.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Continuously assess own performance, seek timely and clear feedback and request training where appropriate.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs.
• Adhere to specified polices, standards, legislation and procedures to prevent wastage on resources, unauthorised expenditure and wasteful expenditure and report violations.

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Ensure own understanding and adherence to customer service delivery and provide specialist support to meet or exceed customer expectations.

Behavioural competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking  
• Attention to Detail
• Commitment to Continuous Learning  
• Conceptual Ability
• Customer Service
• Expertise in Context
• Organisational Awareness
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Respect
• Trust
• Fairness and Transparency
• Honesty and Integrity

Technical competencies

• Business Knowledge 
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Efficiency improvement  
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• IT Strategy and Planning
• Reporting
• Standard operating procedure compliance 
• Quality Management (IT)   
• Business Analysis Tech (IT)
• Project Management Processes (IT)
• Software Metrics (IT)
• Software Testing (IT)

Deadline:5th August,2025