Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Bloomfield Hills Greater Detroit Market

Bank of America•Wyandotte, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition into financial advising. In this role, you will work with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, build 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 developing a book of business and working toward established performance goals. The role involves prospecting and referral development, assessing client needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and managing client follow-up and account servicing. You will balance investment growth, business development, administrative compliance, and professional development while organizing the resources needed to run a productive practice. The position also handles inbound inquiries, collects client profile information under standard KYC procedures, documents client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor. The program provides training, onboarding, one-on-one coaching, and support from local leadership. The role collaborates with banking and investment partners to connect clients with Bank of America and Merrill solutions. The position requires Series 7 and Series 66 licenses (or Series 63 and 65 in lieu of Series 66) and is subject to SAFE Act registration and background-check requirements. Merrill describes its culture as in-office, with role-specific flexibility.

Requirements

Currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, or Series 63 and Series 65 licenses 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.
Strong 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 the majority of compensation is tied to performance.
Strong follow-through skills.
Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to obtain and maintain required SAFE Act registration and pass the required background check and registration process.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
At least one year of financial services industry or sales experience, as listed under desired qualifications.
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 prospect sourcing, 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 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 planning and investment strategies for clients.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings and explain 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, making suitable investment recommendations and servicing client accounts.
Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
Provide comprehensive advice, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies aligned with clients’ financial goals and priorities.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.