Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: NY Capital/Central NY Market
About The Position
The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition who want to become Financial Advisors. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations aligned with the goals of existing and prospective clients. The role also offers opportunities to collaborate with and learn from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth. The position involves building a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, assessing needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and coordinating with internal specialists. The Advisor balances investment growth, referrals, client follow-up, prospect development, compliance administration, and professional development while organizing resources to run a productive practice. The role also handles inbound leads, collects client profile information according to KYC procedures, services accounts, and accurately documents client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. The program provides training, onboarding, one-on-one coaching, and support from local leadership and the Bank of America Academy. Advisors use a consultative approach to identify client needs, deliver comprehensive advice and client reviews, recommend strategies, and collaborate with banking and investment partners. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and a background check.
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 ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
- 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 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.
- High school diploma, GED, secondary school, or equivalent.
- Ability to meet SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and the required background check.
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 investment products and services suitable for prospects and clients based on their objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, 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.
- Seek specialist expertise where 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 and position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
- Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures when opening accounts.
- 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, client reviews and presentations, and strategies to help clients pursue financial goals and life priorities.
- Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to connect clients with relevant Bank of America and Merrill solutions.
Benefits
- Paid time off.
- Access to employee resources and support.
- Formulaic incentive plan eligibility, with incentives based on performance against defined metrics.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
