Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Central Shoreline Market

Bank of America•Hartford, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition to become Financial Advisors. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations for existing and prospective clients. The role includes collaboration with and mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth. The position involves developing a book of business, prospecting and cultivating referrals, assessing client needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and managing client relationships and accounts. The Advisor balances business development, client follow-up, compliance, and professional development while organizing resources to operate a productive practice. The role also handles inbound inquiries, collects client profile information under KYC procedures, documents client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor. The program provides training and onboarding, one-on-one coaching through the Bank of America Academy and local leadership, and opportunities to collaborate with banking and investment partners. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and a background check. This is an in-office role, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs.

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 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, with 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 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.
High school diploma, GED, secondary school diploma, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree and/or 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, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
Recommend suitable investment products and services based on clients' objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
Consult specialists as appropriate to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
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's capabilities.
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 client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
Provide comprehensive advice, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies aligned with clients' financial goals and life priorities.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.