Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Southeast Coastal Market

Bank of America • Mount Pleasant, SC

1d • 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 provide comprehensive recommendations aligned with the goals of existing and prospective clients. You will also collaborate with and receive mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth.

The role involves developing a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, assessing needs, making appropriate referrals, and recommending suitable investment products and services. You will balance growth, follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development while managing resources to run a productive practice. You will complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education.

The position handles inbound inquiries about Merrill offerings, presents Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, collects client profile information under standard KYC procedures, and opens accounts as appropriate. It also serves as an interim Financial Advisor, providing suitable investment recommendations and servicing client accounts, and accurately documenting client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. The role requires SAFE Act registration and completion of the associated background check and registration process.

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 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 and the ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• 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 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 complete SAFE Act registration and the required background check and maintain good standing.

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 sourcing prospective clients, 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, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Consult specialists, when appropriate, to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
• 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 data following standard KYC procedures and open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as interim Financial Advisor, recommend suitable investment products and services, and service client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.

Benefits

• World-class training and onboarding programs.
• Training and one-on-one coaching from the Bank of America Academy and local leadership.
• Opportunity to collaborate with core banking and investment partners and access Bank of America and Merrill solutions.

What This Job Offers

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