Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Northern NE Market

Bank of America • Portland, OR

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • 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 involves working with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and provide comprehensive recommendations aligned with clients’ goals. The Financial Advisor works with and receives mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth.

The role includes developing a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, assessing customer needs, making appropriate internal referrals, and recommending suitable investment products and services. The Advisor balances business development, client follow-up, account service, compliance, and professional development while managing the resources needed to operate a productive practice. The position also handles inbound leads, collects client profile information using standard KYC procedures, documents interactions in Salesforce, and may serve as an interim Financial Advisor.

Merrill describes its work culture as in-office, with clear in-office expectations and flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs. The position is based in Lewiston or Portland, Maine, and is a first-shift role scheduled for 40 hours per week. The annualized salary range is $80,000–$90,000, with eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan. The role is benefits-eligible.

Requirements

• Currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, or Series 63 and 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.
• Exceptional 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 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 credential, or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required SAFE Act registration, including completing 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.
• Skills in business acumen, business development, oral communications, prospecting, wealth planning, analytical thinking, client experience branding, client investments management, portfolio analysis, risk management, active listening, client solutions advisory, emotional intelligence, referral management, and trading.

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 investment products and services suitable for clients’ 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 client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings.
• Present the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor by recommending suitable investment products and services and servicing client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Access to paid time off.
• Formulaic incentive plan eligibility, with incentive opportunities based on performance against defined metrics.

What This Job Offers

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