Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Carolina East Market

Bank of America•Raleigh, NC

4d•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. 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 collaborate with and receive mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor teams while building experience and promoting portfolio growth. The role involves developing a book of business, sourcing prospective clients, using referrals, assessing client needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and coordinating with internal specialists. You will balance business development, client follow-up, administrative compliance, and professional development while managing the resources needed to run a productive practice. The position also includes handling inbound leads, collecting client profile information under KYC procedures, servicing accounts, and accurately documenting client interactions in Salesforce. The program provides training and onboarding, one-on-one coaching through Bank of America’s Academy and local leadership, and a consultative approach to identifying client needs and solutions. Advisors deliver comprehensive advice and client reviews, recommend strategies to support clients’ financial goals, and collaborate with banking and investment partners. The position requires SAFE Act registration and completion of the required background check and registration process.

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 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 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.
Must complete SAFE Act registration and the required background check and registration process; failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Learns and adapts 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 suitable investment products and services based on prospects’ and 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 as 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 interim Financial Advisor, making suitable investment recommendations and servicing client accounts.
Document client interactions and opportunities accurately in Salesforce.
Deliver comprehensive advice and client reviews or presentations, and recommend strategies to help clients achieve financial goals.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.