Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Palo Alto Market

Bank of America • Palo Alto, CA

3d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth clients with annual revenues of $100,000 to $5 million. The role involves identifying client needs, developing relationships, reviewing investment goals, and preparing investment recommendations. It uses technology to support business growth, profiles clients to determine financial objectives, advances initiatives for clients and prospects, helps execute business development plans, and follows guidance on privacy and regulatory matters.

The Financial Advisor handles inquiries from leads, presents Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, gathers client-profile information in accordance with Know Your Customer procedures, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor. In that capacity, the advisor recommends suitable investment products and services based on clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences, services accounts, and records client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.

The position is based in the Palo Alto market, with listed work locations in Palo Alto and San Mateo. Merrill describes an in-office culture with role-specific flexibility and business needs determining expectations. The position is a 40-hour-per-week, first-shift role. The annualized salary range is $80,000 to $90,000, with offers determined by experience, education, and skill set. The role is eligible for a formulaic incentive plan and benefits.

Requirements

• Currently hold Series 7 and 66 licenses, or the equivalent Series 63 and 65 licenses in lieu of Series 66.
• At least one year of investment-industry experience, including investment training and in-depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• At least one year of experience in financial services and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
• Ability to engage with and influence others.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding, assess needs, and recommend appropriate solutions or interventions.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and with key partners.
• Goal- and results-oriented, with strong follow-through skills.
• 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.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• High school diploma, GED, secondary school education, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 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 effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings.
• Present the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client-profile data and follow standard Know Your Customer procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, recommending suitable investment products and services based on clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Service client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Identify client needs, develop relationships, review investment goals, and prepare investment recommendations.
• Leverage technology to support business growth goals and profile clients to determine their financial objectives.
• Drive initiatives to maximize impact for clients and prospects and assist with executing business development plans.
• Follow guidance on privacy and regulatory matters.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Access to paid time off.
• Eligibility to participate in a formulaic incentive plan, with opportunities that may be monthly, quarterly, and/or annual and earned based on performance against defined metrics.

What This Job Offers

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