Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Midtown Manhattan Market

Bank of America•White Plains, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition to become Financial Advisors. In this role, you will work with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations for 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 and referrals, assessing client needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and coordinating with internal specialists. You will balance investment growth, client follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development while organizing resources to run a productive practice. You will also complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. The position handles inbound inquiries, presents Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, collects client profile information in accordance with KYC procedures, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor by providing suitable investment recommendations and servicing accounts. Client interactions and opportunities must be documented accurately in Salesforce. The role requires SAFE Act registration and the associated background check and registration process. Bank of America provides training and onboarding, one-on-one coaching through its Academy and local leadership, and a consultative approach to identifying client needs and solutions. The role collaborates with banking and investment partners to connect clients with Bank of America and Merrill offerings. The company describes an in-office culture focused on collaboration, engagement, and career development, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs.

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 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.
Must complete SAFE Act registration, including the required background check and registration process, and maintain good standing.

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 prospect 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 horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget resources to run a productive practice.
Consult specialists as appropriate to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
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, recommend suitable investment products and services, and service client accounts.
Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
Provide comprehensive advice, deliver client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to support clients' financial goals and life priorities.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.