Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Bridgewater & Associates Market

Bank of America • Woodbridge Township, NJ

3d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition to become Financial Advisors. 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 mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor teams while building experience and promoting portfolio growth.

The role involves developing a book of business, sourcing prospective clients and referrals, assessing customer needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and coordinating with internal specialists. You will balance growth, prospecting, client follow-up, compliance administration, and professional development while organizing the resources needed to run a productive practice. The position also includes responding to inbound leads, supporting client accounts as an interim Financial Advisor, completing account-opening procedures, and accurately documenting interactions in Salesforce.

The position is based at the listed Bridgewater and Iselin, New Jersey locations. Merrill describes its culture as committed to in-office collaboration, engagement, and career development, with flexibility depending on role responsibilities and business needs. The role is subject to SAFE Act registration and the required background check and registration process. It is a 40-hour-per-week, first-shift position. The annualized salary range is $80,000–$90,000, with eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan. The role is benefits eligible.

Requirements

• Currently hold 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 investment-industry experience, including investment training and in-depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with and influence others.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• 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, or equivalent.
• Must obtain and maintain required SAFE Act registration and complete 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.
• Skills in business acumen, business development, oral communications, prospecting, wealth planning, analytical thinking, client experience branding, client investment management, portfolio analysis, risk management, active listening, client solutions advisory, emotional intelligence, referral management, and trading.

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 suitable for prospects and clients based on their objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise when 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.
• Present the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, recommend suitable investment products and services, and service client accounts.
• Accurately document all client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Deliver client reviews and presentations and collaborate with core banking and investment partners to provide comprehensive advice and solutions.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Access to paid time off.
• Formulaic incentive plan eligibility, with incentives based on performance against defined metrics.
• Training and onboarding programs.
• One-on-one coaching through the Bank of America Academy and local leadership.

What This Job Offers

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