Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Chicago Metro Market

Bank of America • Chicago, IL

23h • 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 role works 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. The Financial Advisor also collaborates with and receives mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth.

The role develops a book of business, sources prospective clients, capitalizes on referrals, assesses customer needs, and recommends suitable investment products and services. It balances investment growth, client follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development while managing the resources needed to run a productive practice. The position also handles inbound lead inquiries, gathers client profile information under standard KYC procedures, serves as an interim Financial Advisor, and documents client interactions in Salesforce.

The position is based at Bank of America Tower Chicago, 110 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, Illinois. Merrill maintains an in-office culture with role-specific attendance requirements and some flexibility. The schedule is first shift, 40 hours per week. Compensation is $80,000–$90,000 annualized, with eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan. The role is benefits eligible and includes access to paid time off.

This position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including a background check and registration process. Failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination. Hiring may also be restricted by FDIC, SAFE Act, Loan Originator, and FINRA laws or regulations concerning specified criminal histories.

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.
• 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.
• Ability to complete SAFE Act registration requirements and the associated background check.

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 suitable investment products and services based on clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referrals, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise, when appropriate, to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings.
• Present the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client profile information and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor and recommend suitable investment products and services to prospects and clients.
• Accurately document all client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Provide comprehensive advice, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to help clients pursue financial goals and life priorities.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits.
• Access to paid time off.
• Resources and support for employees.
• Formulaic incentive plan eligibility, with incentives earned based on performance against defined metrics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed