Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Charlotte & Associates Market

Bank of America•Charlotte, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Merrill’s Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition into financial advising. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, build relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations for existing and prospective clients. The role includes collaborating with and receiving mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams while building experience and promoting portfolio growth. The Advisor develops a book of business, sources prospective clients and referrals, assesses customer needs, recommends suitable investment products and services, and connects clients with internal specialists. The role balances investment growth, prospecting, follow-up, compliance, and professional development; manages practice resources; completes required training and continuing education; handles inbound inquiries; collects client profile information under KYC procedures; serves as an interim Financial Advisor; and documents client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. The position 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 provide comprehensive advice and connect clients with Bank of America and Merrill capabilities. Merrill describes its culture as in-office, with role-specific attendance requirements and flexibility.

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, 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 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.
Must register under the SAFE Act and complete 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 investment products and services suitable for clients’ 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 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 present Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as an interim Financial Advisor and service client accounts.
Document client interactions and opportunities accurately in Salesforce.
Deliver client reviews and presentations and recommend strategies to support clients’ financial goals and life priorities.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.