Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Pasadena Central Market

Bank of America • Santa Clarita, CA

4d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition into becoming a Financial Advisor. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals, identifies client needs, develops relationships, reviews financial goals, and delivers comprehensive investment recommendations for existing and prospective clients. The role includes collaboration with and mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to support portfolio growth.

The position involves developing a book of business, sourcing and building relationships with prospective clients, assessing needs, and recommending suitable investment products and services. The Financial Advisor balances business development, client follow-up, investment growth, administrative compliance, and professional development while managing the resources needed to run a productive practice. The role also includes completing required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education.

The role handles inbound inquiries about Merrill offerings, explains Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, gathers client profile information under standard KYC procedures, and may serve as an interim Financial Advisor. It includes servicing client accounts and accurately recording client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. Merrill describes its work culture as in-office, supporting collaboration, engagement, and career development, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs. The position is first shift, 40 hours per week, and is eligible for a formulaic incentive plan in addition to its stated annualized salary range.

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.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to listen, 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 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 qualification, or equivalent.
• Must register and remain in good standing under SAFE Act requirements, including completing the required background check, because the position requires SAFE Act registration.

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 manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• 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.
• Source 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 personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget 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.
• Position the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect necessary client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, provide suitable investment recommendations, and service client accounts.
• Document client interactions and opportunities accurately in Salesforce.
• Collaborate with Merrill Financial Advisor Teams and banking and investment partners.
• Deliver client reviews and presentations and recommend strategies to help clients pursue their financial goals.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Access to 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