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

Bank of America•Charlotte, NC

4d•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, prospecting, client follow-up, compliance administration, and professional development while organizing the resources needed to run a productive practice. The program provides training, onboarding, coaching, and a consultative approach to identifying client needs and recommending solutions. The position also handles inbound lead inquiries, presents Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, gathers client profile information under standard KYC procedures, serves as an interim Financial Advisor, services client accounts, and accurately documents client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. The role is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including the required background check and registration process.

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 extensive 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.
Must complete SAFE Act registration, background check, and registration process required for the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and/or 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 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 client planning and investment strategies.
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 information 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.