Entry Level Excel Data Analyst Jobs in Portland, ME

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in the office at least 2 days per week.

The Opportunity:

The Data & Reporting Analyst is responsible for developing maintaining and optimizing reporting solutions that provide actionable insights to business leaders in the Stop Loss Claims team. This role supports data driven decision making across operations by identifying anomalies, automating manual processes, and enabling business leaders with evidence-based insights to optimize operations and reduce costs. The Analyst partners closely with Stop Loss business stakeholders to translate data into insights, automate reporting processes and improve overall efficiency through analytics and visualization tools.

How you will contribute:

• Data Analysis & Insights

  • Develops and deploys SQL-based reporting and statistical models using Power Query, VBA, Excel and Python

  • Analyze large datasets to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for operational improvement

  • Support business decision-making through ad hoc analyses and structured reporting

  • Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for leadership

• Reporting & Dashboard Development

  • Partners with the COE Reporting team to enhance and improve Stop Loss Claims dashboard

  • Ensures data accuracy, dashboard uptime, and data freshness across all reporting systems

  • Completes timely reporting and analysis requests with rigorous data quality validation

  • Documents methodologies and maintains comprehensive records of reporting processes

• Data Management & Quality

  • Validate, cleanse, and maintain data integrity across multiple sources

  • Support data governanace and ensure adherence to data standards and definitions

  • Partner with IT and data teams to resolve data issues and improve data pipelines

• Process Improvement & Automation

  • Identify opportunities to automate manual reporting processes and streamline workflows

  • Implement data solutions that improve efficiency and reduce redundancy

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives through analytics and performance tracking

  • Performs root cause analysis to identify systemic inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks

• Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Work closely with business leaders to define reporting needs and requirements

  • Provide ongoing support for reporting tools and troubleshoot user issues

  • Present findings and recommendations to leadership in a clear and concise manner

  • Engages with leadership, IT teams, and business teams to facilitate data interpretation, present evidence-based recommendations, and resolve technical and operational constraints

  • Escalates significant data and reporting inaccuracies, anomalies, and strategic requests requiring new data sources or system integration to management

What you will bring with you:

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, Actuarial Science, or Business Analytics) OR equivalent professional experience demonstrating competency in data analysis and analytics

• 2-3 years of experience in data analysis, business intelligence, or analytics

• Demonstrated proficiency with SQL including query optimization, complex joins, and performance tuning

• Proficiency with at least one programming language (Python, R, or similar)

• Experience building dashboards or reports using visualization tools (Tableau, Excel)

• Familiarity with statistical analysis and forecasting concepts

• Advanced Excel skills including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data manipulation

• Expertise in data visualization and self-service dashboard development

• Knowledge of statistical foundations including forecasting methodologies, regression, and time-series analysis

• Preferred: Insurance and claims operations business acumen

• Understanding of inventory management and demand planning principles

• Ability to translate technical findings for non-technical stakeholders

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

• Attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy

• Effective communication and stakeholder collaboration skills

Salary:

Salary Range: $60,400 - $90,600
At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.comto request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.