Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Carolina East Market

Bank of America•Wilson, NC

2d•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 position involves developing a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, assessing needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and managing client follow-up and account servicing. You will balance business development, administrative compliance, and professional development, while organizing resources to run a productive practice and seeking specialist expertise when appropriate. The role also handles inbound inquiries, collects client profile information using standard KYC procedures, documents interactions and opportunities in Salesforce, and provides recommendations as an interim Financial Advisor. Bank of America provides training, onboarding, one-on-one coaching, and opportunities to collaborate with banking and investment partners. Merrill maintains an in-office culture with role-specific attendance requirements and flexibility. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration, background-check, and ongoing good-standing requirements.

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.
Ability to engage with and influence others.
Strong 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 collaborate with a team and key partners.
Ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
Goal- and results-oriented approach.
Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
Ability to work in an environment where most compensation is tied to performance.
Strong follow-through skills.
Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Must register under SAFE Act requirements and complete the required background check and registration process; registration must be maintained in good standing.

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 prospective-client sourcing, referrals, needs assessment, referrals to internal specialists, and customized solutions.
Recommend suitable investment products and services based on clients’ objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referral activities, client follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, and professional development.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
Seek specialist expertise to identify appropriate planning and investment strategies.
Complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education.
Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings and position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as an interim Financial Advisor by recommending suitable investment products and services and servicing client accounts.
Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
Provide comprehensive advice, client reviews, and presentations, and collaborate with core banking and investment partners.