Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Greater Orange County Market

Bank of America • Irvine, CA

3d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals pursuing a career transition into financial advising. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals and households, identifies needs, develops relationships, reviews financial goals, and delivers investment recommendations and comprehensive solutions aligned with client objectives. The role includes collaborating with and learning from Merrill Financial Advisor teams to support portfolio and business growth.

The Advisor develops a book of business, builds client and prospect relationships, sources business through prospecting and referrals, and recommends suitable investment products and services based on each client’s objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences. The position also involves servicing accounts, maintaining client records, managing practice resources, collaborating with internal specialists and Bank of America partners, and completing required training and continuing education.

The role is based in Merrill’s in-office culture, with expectations and flexibility determined by role responsibilities and business needs. The position may involve residential mortgage loan origination and requires SAFE Act registration and a background check. Compensation includes an annualized salary range of $80,000–$90,000 and eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan. The role is benefits eligible and includes access to paid time off.

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 investments-industry experience, including investment training and in-depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• At least one year of financial-services experience and/or sales-environment experience where goals were met or exceeded.
• Ability to engage with and influence others.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to listen, probe for clarity and understanding, assess needs, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to collaborate with a team and key partners.
• Goal- and results-oriented, with strong follow-through.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
• Ability to work in an environment where most compensation is tied to performance.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• High school diploma, GED, secondary school qualification, or equivalent.
• Must register with the federal SAFE Act registry and maintain good standing; the role requires a SAFE Act background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least one year of financial-services industry or sales experience.
• Track record of quickly learning and adapting to new technologies, systems, and digital tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles.
• Prioritize prospect sourcing, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
• Recommend suitable investment products and services based on prospects’ and clients’ objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referrals, customer follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, and personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise to identify appropriate client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings and position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
• Collect required client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, recommending suitable investments and servicing client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Collaborate with Merrill Financial Advisor teams, core banking partners, investment partners, and internal specialists.
• Complete client reviews and presentations and recommend strategies to support clients’ financial goals and priorities.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility
• Paid time off
• Formulaic incentive plan eligibility
• Training and onboarding programs
• One-on-one coaching and training through Bank of America’s Academy and local leadership

What This Job Offers

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