Systems Engineer Iv

Balakrishnan Ravikumar

WORK EXPERIENCE

Regions Bank 4/1997 - 11/2023

Systems Engineer IV

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Skills including tools, s/w, h/w:

Proficiency in Accounting, Finance, COBOL, CICS, DB2 Data Base, SQLs, Connex (ATM application), IBM utilities, report writing languages (EZT, SAS) to successfully maintain the system, IBM z/os operating system and other IBM lower levels, JCL languages, ISPF, TSO, IOF, VSAM/QSAM/SEQ file structure, Thales Security box concept, Positive attitude, Communication skills (oral and written), run traces and analyze, Basic Assembler skill, adaptive to constant changes (in the systems managed, several other interfacing applications, and bank initiatives), detail-oriented, among other requirements.

Duties:

One of the two lead analysts to manage over 2100 ATMs in our 15 states footprint.

Constantly apply any updates, enhancements and fixes to FIS supplied programs (Assembler, COBOL and DB2 data base structures); these changes come from FIS between next major Release level. Implemented anti- skimming Connex code, Dynamic Key Exchange protocol at the ATMs to name the few updates.

Provided 24/7 dedicated support for Connex and S2 systems/applications I'd supported. The environment was always fast paced involving weekends, Holidays and after-hours; support functions included Research, debug and apply fixes to production problems when they occur to eliminate or minimize Connex system outages and maximize the system availability to ATM customers; this objective required a stubborn commitment, with great time management, willing to work under pressure to continually meet project deadlines and bank's strategic goals.

Liaison with FIS Support, Networks, ATM h/w vendors and field technicians, Internal ATMs s/w Ops, Internal ATM Monitoring team, Internal Cash Group, Internal Accounting Group who Reconcile-Balance each ATM in the footprint and Networks, IBM Mainframe ops and several other internal system partners to maintain the application.

Solely responsible to add new ATMs in Regions footprint, ATM parameter changes, ATM Load changes, other routine house-keeping tasks in the Connex data base.

Projects:

Implemented three upward Connex New Releases and One Batch Settlement system (to create the ACH files using the Connex online created ATM transactions and post to customer and/or network accounts) to stay in compliance with Government regulations, Networks Mandates (VISA, SHAZAM, Maestro), ATM h/w vendors (NCR, Diebold Nixdorf, Wincor), ATM s/w vendor (FIS Global), Audit (In-house and External), BSA-Money Laundry among others. I was solely responsible to build to new DB2 data base which is a required major task during new Connex Releases.

Wrote comprehensive procedures and steps to bring up and monitor Connex application during scheduled IPLs (mainframe maintenances); this facilitated running a smooth system.

Independently tested with Networks prior to deploying major changes and getting certified.

Wrote and installed numerous reports helping Business Unit partners to make management decisioning. Implemented FTI (Financial Transaction Inquiry) system to Inquire and Browse the ATM online transactions as they occur; this helped the Business Units and the programming team to better manage the system.

Worked as a Team to implement Voice feature and Spanish Language option at the ATMs. Answer and respond to Internal and External Audits in a timely manner.

Trained new members to our Team and continue to be a coach.

S2 (Daily Settlement Batch Application) - All ATMs are assigned an ATM DDA account if it's branch-services and a Vault DDA in case serviced by External sources (Brinks, Loomis). Every day the ATM and Network transactions gets posted to the assigned ATM DDA, Vault DDA, GL offsetting accounts, various Network DDA and suspense accounts. The numbers need to reconcile and balanced by simple accounting Principles where Debits Equals Credits. I get involved in the event any ATM and/or network didn't balance until the issue is fully resolved.

Accomplishments:

Promoted to Bank Officer within two years of hiring.

Survived and enhanced my contributions during three Mergers and Acquisitions. Saved over several million dollars in fraud related ATM Deposits.

Saved Millions of Dollars for implementing a procedure to prevent Fraud in the ATM Check Deposit Channel. Received a STAR Award Plaque from then CEO for my role during Bank Merger and Acquisition phase.

Received numerous commendations from Business Unit partners. Wrote or rewrote programs to cutdown the runtime and increased throughput. Bank recognized my high service levels and offered special incentives and Employee stock option.

Expanded online Transaction files (called LOG files) as the system was chocking due to it's inability to handle increased volume; this resulted in preventing a major crisis for the Bank saving loss of money.

Received yearly Bonuses and Incentive packages which are reserved only for high achieving employees for making measurable contributions in IT department.

Magnolia Federal Savings Bank 5/1993 - 4/1997

Programmer III

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Skills including tools, s/w, h/w:

Proficiency in COBOL and Unisys 'V' series. Duties:

Part of the team engaged in maintaining the Bank's Mortgage application. This package was vendor supplied. Projects:

Wrote Escrow Analysis report to calculate the Escrow overages and to issue refund to Mortgage Customers. This program did involve accounting methods to reconcile-balance every Mortgage account.

Completed several Bank offered courses successfully.

Accomplishment:

One of the few to be offered the one-year salary as Retention bonus to execute the merger activities since this thrift Financial Institution was acquired by Memphis head-quartered Union Planters Bank.

Worked as a consultant since 05/93 until offered a full-time position during 08/93 by Magnolia Bank that was accepted. Only consultant working for the bank at that time and reported to Data Processing Director. The management was obviously impressed with my work and sincerity. Syntel Corporation, Detroit, MI was the consulting company and had assigned me to First Bank, the client.

First Bank 6/1992 – 7/1992

Consultant for IPS (Item Processing System) Team

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Skills including tools, s/w, h/w:

Highly proficient in COBOL and Unisys 'V' series mainframe, IPS (800) and PRO/editor Duties:

Modified and Converted COBOL68 code to higher level COBOL74 to facilitate getting vendor support in Paythru, Daylight, Overdraft and Control Disbursement Systems.

Assisted in conversions under HOGAN platform.

Accomplishments:

The COBOL conversion was scheduled for three months; however, got it completed in two months thus saving the clint a month of consulting and project fee.

UNISYS Corporation 9/1989 – 4/1992

Consultant for IPS (Item Processing System) Team

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Skills including tools, s/w, h/w:

High proficiency in COBOL language, Unisys 'A' series mainframe, hands-on experience with Unisys checks sorting machines like DP1800, DP1000, S6000 and Sort Patterns (checks sorting language on the sorting devices)

Duties:

Worked at Document Professional Services Team and extensively involved in modification, customization and support of IPS (Item Processing System) check processing software for Banks, Credit Union and Thrifts across the US. Each financial institution requirement will be unique. The specs are read, and analysis are completed. If there are any gaps that are communicated back to the requesting institution. I was employed by MTB Corp., New York based consulting company.

Used Sort Patterns and COBOL language, Unisys 'A' series in this consulting environment. The Sort Pattern is a highly specialized code where the instructions are delivered to the 16 to 20 sorting machines like DP1800, DP1000, S6000. I'd to install the Sort Pattern on the sorting devices and test for checks (On-us, Transit and Govt-issued checks) gets pocketed in the desired pockets by running those test checks on these Sorting

Machines: the programs may be required to rerun multiple times to get the checks sorted to its final pockets. The customized check processing system is delivered to the Installation Team who visits the financial institution.

During the installation phase, I needed to be available to offer assistance to have the system operational and get a official sign-off.

Accomplishments:

Got a few commendation letters both in-house managers, financial institutions customers (Banks, Credit Unions) and Installers.

Sweater Bee by BANFF Ltd. 3/1987 – 10/1998

System Analyst

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Skills including tools, s/w, h/w:

Unisys 'V' series mainframe and COBOL language. Duties:

Involved in the design, coding, testing, implementation and maintenance of Billing system which interfaced with four modules, namely, Order processing, Sales analysis, Inventory Management and Account Receivables.

Projects:

Created workflow diagrams for the systems and documented all the programs used. Besides arranged training the people involved.

Accomplishments:

Rewrote/Modify the codes to use the disk storage space effectively saving the customer several thousands of dollars. In 1980s the mainframe storage costed a lot.

Sweater By BANFF ltd., the client, offered full-time position based on my job performance.

BAKST International (USA) Inc. 8/1993 – 2/1987

Systems Analyst/ Programmer

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Skills including tools, s/w, h/w:

Hardware experience: B7900, B1900, PDP-11/34.

Software: Burroughs system, its utilities, CANDE (text Editor), DMSII (database), DMS Recovery/Restart, COBOL, WFL.

Duties:

Responsible for maintaining Tax Accounting system in the client company. Project: Developed online Payroll Application utilizing Dbase II.

Accomplishments:

Left the company to join a client under mutually acceptable terms. This client was Sweater Bee by Banff Ltd based in Fairfield, NJ.

It was an accomplishment working for an International Computer Consulting Company both in India and USA.

EDUCATION

Sainik School Amaravathi Nagar Amaravathi Nagar, TN India

High school diploma or equivalent 5 / 1974 GPA: 3.50

Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications:

Sainik Schools similar to Military Academy Schools over in USA; funded and managed by Ministry of Defense and in partnership with the State Government where the school is located; very prestigious education system that mandates to pass a tough entrance examination and pass rigorous physical examination.

A.C. College of Technology, University of Madras Chennai (formerly Madras), TN India

Bachelor's degree 5 / 1979 GPA: 3.50

Major: Textile Engineering

PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore Coimbatore, TN India

Master's degree 5 / 1982, GPA: 3.50

Major: Accounting, Finance Minor: Computer Science

Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications:

For my thesis work completed "Computerization of Bank of Maharashtra". This involved countless hours of interviews, discussion with people who were doing the work manually, system design and presentation to the Bank IT Board for review. It was a big success! Considering my entry level to Data Processing (back then, this was the term) for IT, it gave me the opportunity to explore!

Gwinnett Technical Institute Lawrenceville, GA

United States Technical or occupational certificate 3 / 1992

GPA: 4.0, Credits Earned: Quarter Hours

Major: Intro to "C" programming

Hinds Community College Raymond, MS United States Technical or occupational certificate 3 / 1998

GPA: 4.0

Major: Principles of Accounting I

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Experiences in Accounting and Finance:

1. Had to do a Project during the final semester in MBA course in fulfillment of this requirement, performed 'Computerized Reconciliation' for Bank of Maharashtra, Bombay. that used accounting methodologies, Computer Science Principles. The project was well received by the Banking Management, MBA faculty and PAR Computer Services, Bombay, the Project Sponsoring company. Was offered a full-time position at PAR Computer Services and gladly accepted. Was told my thesis work got published in one of the Banking Magazine in India.

2. Completed MBA in University of Madras with Major in Accounting and Finance and Minor in Computer Science. Financial Accounting, Economics, Business Laws, Statistics was included in the syllabus which equates to an associate degree in accounting or more.

3. Completed Principles of Accounting I with 4.0 GPA

4. During my employment with Regions Bank, constantly engaged with Accounting Principles while reconciling-balancing the ATMs and Networks daily.

5. During my employment with Magnolia Federal Savings Bank, had to apply the Accounting Principles to develop Escrow Analysis module.

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