Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Red Bank & Associates Market

Bank of America•Toms River, NJ

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations aligned with existing and prospective clients’ goals. The role collaborates with and receives mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to build experience and promote portfolio growth. The position develops a book of business, sources and engages prospective clients, assesses customer needs, refers clients to internal specialists, recommends suitable investment products and services, and manages the activities and resources needed to run a productive practice. The role also completes required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. Responsibilities include handling inbound inquiries about Merrill offerings; presenting Merrill and Bank of America capabilities; collecting client profile information in accordance with KYC procedures; opening accounts as appropriate; serving as an interim Financial Advisor; providing suitable investment recommendations and servicing client accounts; and accurately documenting client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including a background check and registration process. Bank of America provides training and onboarding, one-on-one coaching through its Academy and local leadership, and opportunities to collaborate with core banking and investment partners. Merrill maintains an in-office culture intended to support collaboration, engagement, and career development, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs. The role is first shift and 40 hours per week. The stated annualized pay range is $80,000 to $90,000, with eligibility for formulaic performance incentives and benefits.

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 experience in the investments industry, 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 collaborate with a team and 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 register under SAFE Act requirements and complete the required background check and registration process.

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 when 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.
Position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
Collect client profile data following standard KYC procedures and open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as an interim Financial Advisor, recommend suitable investments, and service client accounts.
Accurately document all client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.