Financial Advisor Trainee-Birmingham, AL

Raymond James • Birmingham, AL

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Advisor Trainee participates in Raymond James Financial’s Advisor Mastery Program (AMP), a combination of distance learning, apprenticeship, and training at the firm’s international headquarters. The program develops technical and sales skills to prepare trainees for a Financial Advisor role. Working with a mentor, Branch Manager, and/or Financial Advisor team, the trainee learns to build an individual practice while balancing client development, sales, investment management, customer service, compliance, and professional development. The trainee provides financial advice consistent with clients’ objectives, time horizons, and risk tolerances. AMP supports long-term development for candidates who plan to work as standalone Advisors or join an existing team.

The role involves developing a client base, managing client relationships and portfolios, recommending suitable investment products and services, processing account and transaction activity, and maintaining required records. Trainees complete program requirements, obtain mandatory licenses within specified timeframes, meet performance and production standards, and stay current on investment products, regulations, and financial planning. The position is resident, with travel of less than 25%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferred, with at least three years of relevant work experience demonstrating achievement in sales (preferably intangible) or a business environment, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.
• SIE required unless an exemption or grandfathering applies; otherwise, ability to obtain within four months from the start of the program.
• Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, or ability to obtain them within four months from the start of the program.
• Life, Health, and Variable Annuity licenses, or ability to obtain them within six months from the start of the program.
• Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of financial markets, banking, and financial data analysis and reporting.
• Knowledge of basic principles and methods for presenting, promoting, and selling products or services.
• Knowledge of the firm’s structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.
• Skill operating a client relationship management system and other required software to produce financial plans, correspondence, reports, electronic communications, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Skill identifying customer needs through effective questioning and listening.
• Ability to organize, manage, and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments amid changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to continuously learn investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with all organizational levels and use appropriate interpersonal styles.
• Ability to keep relevant parties informed about decisions, changes, and other relevant information and explain the reasons behind decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to persevere, handle rejection, and demonstrate resilience during prospecting and networking.
• Ability to network in the community and market oneself and Raymond James effectively.
• Ability to persist in the face of obstacles.
• Ability to accept criticism and remain calm and effective in high-stress situations.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance.
• Three or more years of relevant work experience demonstrating sales achievement, preferably in intangible sales, or business-environment achievement.

Responsibilities

• Become trained and skilled to perform the Financial Advisor role effectively and efficiently.
• Follow specific goals and expectations set by the team if hired as a team candidate.
• Meet production targets that contribute to company revenue goals.
• Develop a book of business in line with AMP goals for assets under management and required production.
• Provide a high level of client service.
• Manage client relationships by evaluating financial needs, investment opportunities, current holdings, and available investment capital.
• Help clients identify investment objectives and communicate portfolio losses when necessary while preserving client loyalty.
• Develop a client pipeline through prospecting, networking, community initiatives, centers of influence, and niche development.
• Recommend suitable investment products, solutions, and services based on client needs, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
• Consult internal resources to identify investment opportunities and client solutions.
• Open, transfer, and close customer accounts.
• Maintain appropriate account records and monitor customer portfolios.
• Make recommendations based on economic and financial conditions, newly offered investments, and client needs and objectives.
• Obtain and verify purchase and sale instructions, enter orders, and follow up on transaction completion.
• Complete required program training and assignments, obtain mandatory industry licenses within prescribed timeframes, pass assessments, and meet minimum performance and production standards.
• Stay current on investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage may be available.
• Life insurance may be available.
• Critical illness and accident insurance may be available.
• Disability benefits may be available.
• Retirement savings benefits may be available.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave, may be available.
• Parental leave may be available.
• Additional compensation may include cash or equity, discretionary bonuses, or commissions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level