Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Northern NE Market

Bank of America • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Merrill Wealth Management provides goals-based wealth management, investment products, and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for people transitioning into a career as a Financial Advisor. In this role, you will work with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations for existing and prospective clients. You will collaborate with and receive mentoring from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams, while building experience and promoting portfolio growth.

The role includes developing a book of business, sourcing prospective clients and referrals, assessing customer needs, and recommending suitable investment products and services. You will manage investment growth, client follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and ongoing development, and organize the resources needed to run a productive practice. The role also handles inquiries from leads, positions Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, collects client-profile information under standard KYC procedures, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor when appropriate. Client interactions and opportunities are documented in Salesforce.

The position is based at one of the listed Merrill offices in Lewiston or Portland, Maine, and is subject to the stated in-office expectations. It is a first-shift role of 40 hours per week. The position requires SAFE Act registration and the associated background check and registration process. The stated annual salary range is $80,000–$90,000, with eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan. The role is benefits eligible, with paid time off and other employee resources and support.

Requirements

• Currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, or Series 63 and Series 65 in lieu of Series 66.
• At least one year of experience in the financial services industry and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
• At least one year of experience in the investments industry, including investment training and in-depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• Ability to engage with and influence others.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions or interventions.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and with key partners.
• Ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Goal- and results-oriented approach.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and demonstrated ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
• Ability to work in an environment where the majority of compensation is tied to performance.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• High school diploma, GED, secondary school education, or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain SAFE Act registration, including completing the required background check and registration process.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least one year of financial services industry or sales experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles.
• Prioritize sourcing prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
• Recommend investment products and services suited to clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activity, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Consult specialists as appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings.
• Position the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client-profile information and follow standard KYC procedures when opening accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, recommending suitable investment products and services and servicing client accounts.
• Document client interactions and opportunities accurately in Salesforce.
• Provide comprehensive advice, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to help clients pursue financial goals.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Paid time off.
• Resources and support for employees.
• Formulaic incentive plan eligibility, with incentives earned based on performance against defined metrics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED