Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Palo Alto Market

Bank of America • Palo Alto, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth clients with annual revenues of $100,000 to $5 million. The role involves identifying client needs, developing relationships, reviewing investment goals, and preparing investment recommendations. The advisor uses technology to support business growth, profiles clients to determine their financial objectives, drives initiatives that maximize impact for clients and prospects, assists with business development plans, and follows guidance on privacy and regulatory matters.

The position handles inbound inquiries from leads, explains the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America, collects client profile information in accordance with standard Know Your Customer procedures, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor. It provides investment-product and service recommendations suitable to clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences, services client accounts, and accurately documents client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.

Merrill describes its culture as collaborative and committed to in-office work, with role-specific flexibility based on responsibilities and business needs. The role is a 40-hour-per-week, first-shift position based in Palo Alto or San Mateo, California. It may involve residential mortgage loan origination and requires SAFE Act registration and a background check. The position is eligible for a formulaic incentive plan and company benefits.

Requirements

• Currently hold 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 investments industry, including investment training and in-depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• At least one year of experience in the financial services industry and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
• Ability to engage with and influence others.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding, assess needs, and recommend appropriate solutions or interventions.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and with key partners.
• Goal- and results-oriented, with strong follow-through skills.
• 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.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• High school diploma, GED, secondary school education, or equivalent.
• If engaged in residential mortgage loan origination, obtain and maintain SAFE Act registration and complete the required background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least one year of financial services industry or sales experience.
• Track record of quickly learning and adapting to new technologies, systems, and digital tools.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings.
• Position the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client profile data and follow standard Know Your Customer procedures when opening accounts.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor and recommend suitable investment products and services based on clients’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Service client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Identify client needs, develop relationships, review investment goals, and prepare investment recommendations.
• Use technology to support business growth goals and profile clients to determine their financial objectives.
• Drive initiatives to maximize impact for clients and prospects and assist with executing business development plans.
• Follow guidance on privacy and regulatory matters.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Access to employee resources and support.
• Eligibility for a formulaic incentive plan with 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