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

Bank of America • Paramus, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Merrill Wealth Management provides goals-based wealth management and investment products and services to individuals, companies, and institutions. Its Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates work with clients through personal advisory relationships, supported by Merrill investment insights and Bank of America banking services. The company emphasizes an in-office culture for collaboration, engagement, and career development, with role-specific flexibility based on responsibilities and business needs.

The Advisor Development Program is intended for people transitioning careers and pursuing a career as a Financial Advisor. In this role, you work with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, build relationships, review financial goals, and provide comprehensive recommendations for existing and prospective clients. You also collaborate with and receive mentoring from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams, while developing a book of business and promoting portfolio growth. The role includes handling inbound inquiries, presenting Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, collecting client profile information under KYC procedures, providing interim Financial Advisor services, and documenting client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.

The position is based at listed locations in Fort Lee, Montvale, and Paramus, New Jersey, or West Nyack, New York. It is a first-shift role of 40 hours per week. The annualized pay range is $80,000–$90,000, with offers based on experience, education, and skill set. The position is eligible for a formulaic incentive plan and benefits, including paid time off. SAFE Act registration and the required background check are required.

Requirements

• Currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, or Series 7 and 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 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, 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 approach.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and demonstrated 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.
• 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.
• 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 horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and professional development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget resources 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 about 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 all client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Build client relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations aligned with client goals.
• Collaborate with Merrill Financial Advisor Teams and core banking and investment partners.
• Provide client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to help clients achieve financial goals and life priorities.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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