Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Northern New Jersey Market

Bank of America • Paramus, NJ

3d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition into financial advising. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations for existing and prospective clients. The role includes collaboration with and mentoring by Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to support portfolio growth.

The advisor develops a book of business, sources prospective clients and referrals, assesses customer needs, recommends suitable investment products and services, and connects clients with internal specialists. The position also involves balancing investment growth, prospecting, client follow-up, compliance, and professional development; managing practice resources; completing required training and continuing education; and documenting client interactions in Salesforce.

The position is based in Merrill’s in-office culture, with role-specific flexibility according to responsibilities and business needs. It is a 40-hour-per-week, first-shift role and is eligible for a formulaic incentive plan. It is also subject to SAFE Act registration and background-check requirements.

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.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• Ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions or interventions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and 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 the majority of 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, or equivalent.
• Ability to meet SAFE Act registration requirements, including 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 and grow a book of business to meet or exceed established performance hurdles.
• Prioritize prospect sourcing, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and deliver customized solutions.
• Recommend investment products and services suitable for clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activity, 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 to identify appropriate planning and investment strategies for clients.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings and position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
• Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, recommend suitable investment products and services, and service client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Provide comprehensive advice, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to support clients’ financial goals and priorities.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to connect clients with Bank of America and Merrill solutions.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Resources and support for employees.
• Formulaic incentive plan with potential monthly, quarterly, and/or annual 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