Financial Advisor Trainee-Birmingham, AL

Raymond James•Birmingham, AL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Financial Advisor Trainee participates in Raymond James’s Advisor Mastery Program (AMP), a comprehensive training program combining distance learning, apprenticeship, and training at the firm’s international headquarters. The program develops technical and sales skills to prepare trainees for financial advisor roles. 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 personal and professional development. The trainee provides financial advice consistent with clients’ objectives, time horizons, and risk tolerance. The program supports long-term development for candidates planning to become standalone advisors or join an existing team. The trainee completes program training and assignments, obtains required industry licenses within prescribed timeframes, passes assessments, and meets minimum performance and production standards. The position is based in Birmingham, Alabama, has a resident workstyle, and requires less than 25% travel. Total compensation includes base salary or wages and may include additional compensation, discretionary bonuses, or commissions. The position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life, critical illness, and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off; and parental leave. Eligibility and specific offerings may vary by position and employment status.

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; alternatively, ability to obtain it 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; financial markets, banking, and financial data analysis and reporting; basic principles and methods for promoting and selling products or services; and the firm’s structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.
Skill operating a client relationship manager system and other required software to produce financial plans, correspondence, reports, electronic communications, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to identify customer needs through effective questioning and listening; organize and track multiple detailed tasks amid changing priorities and deadlines; learn investment products, regulations, and financial planning; and communicate effectively orally and in writing with all organizational levels.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues, keep appropriate parties informed, and explain the reasons behind decisions.
Ability to persevere, handle rejection, and demonstrate resilience during prospecting and networking; network in the community and market oneself and Raymond James; persist through obstacles; accept criticism; and remain calm and effective in high-stress situations.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance.
Achievement in sales, preferably intangible, or in a business environment.

Responsibilities

Complete training and become skilled in performing the Financial Advisor role.
Meet production targets that contribute to company revenue goals.
Develop a book of business consistent with AMP goals for assets under management and required production.
Provide a high level of client service and 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 solutions for clients.
Open, transfer, and close customer accounts; maintain account records and monitor client portfolios.
Make recommendations in response to changes in economic and financial conditions and client needs and objectives, including newly offered investments.
Obtain and verify customer 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 performance and production standards.
Stay current on investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.