Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: West Florida Market (South)

Bank of America

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition 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 for existing and prospective clients. The role also offers opportunities to collaborate with and receive mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth. The position involves developing a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, assessing needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and balancing investment growth, referrals, follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development. Advisors organize resources to run a productive practice and seek specialist expertise when appropriate to identify planning and investment strategies. The program includes mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. 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. Advisors deliver comprehensive advice and client reviews, recommend strategies aligned with clients’ financial goals and priorities, and collaborate with banking and investment partners across Bank of America and Merrill. The role is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration with the federal registry system and completion of the required background check and registration process. Failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination. Merrill describes its work culture as committed to in-office work, collaboration, engagement, and career development, with role- and business-appropriate flexibility. Internal employees currently working from home may apply, but selected candidates may be required to work onsite.

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 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.
High school diploma, GED, secondary school education, or equivalent.
Must complete SAFE Act registration and required background check and maintain registration in good standing.

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 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.
Seek specialist expertise, where appropriate, to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings.
Position the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as an interim Financial Advisor by recommending suitable investment products and services and servicing client accounts.
Accurately document all client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.