Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Western Long Island Market

Bank of America•Garden City, KS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition and pursuing a career as a Financial Advisor. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations aligned with the goals of 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, sourcing prospective clients, capitalizing on referrals, assessing customer needs, connecting clients with internal specialists, and delivering customized investment solutions. The Financial Advisor balances business development, investment growth, customer follow-up, compliance, and professional development while organizing resources to run a productive practice. The role also includes completing mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. The employee handles inbound inquiries about Merrill offerings, explains Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, gathers client profile information under standard KYC procedures, and opens accounts as appropriate. Serving as an interim Financial Advisor, the employee recommends suitable investment products and services and services client accounts. Client interactions and opportunities must be accurately documented in Salesforce. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and a background check. The role is based at one of the listed New York locations and is subject to Merrill’s in-office culture and role-specific expectations. It is a 40-hour-per-week, first-shift position. Compensation includes an annualized salary range of $80,000–$90,000 and eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan. Benefits-eligible employees have access to paid time off and other benefits.

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 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 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 education, or equivalent.
Ability to complete SAFE Act registration and the required background check and registration process.

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 sourcing prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
Recommend investment products and services suitable for prospects and clients based on their objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, 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.
Explain the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
Collect client profile data according to standard KYC procedures and open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as an interim Financial Advisor by recommending suitable investments and services and servicing client accounts.
Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
Collaborate with Financial Advisor teams, core banking and investment partners, and local leadership.