Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Chicago West Market

Bank of America • Oak Brook, IN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Merrill’s Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition and pursuing a career as a Financial Advisor. The Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and deliver comprehensive recommendations for current and prospective clients. The role offers collaboration and mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams to support experience-building and portfolio growth.

The position involves developing a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, assessing customer needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and managing client follow-up and account servicing. The advisor balances growth and referral activities with prospecting, administrative compliance, and professional development, while organizing resources to run a productive practice. Training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements must be completed.

The role handles inbound inquiries from leads, presents Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, collects client profile information using standard KYC procedures, and may serve as an interim Financial Advisor. Client interactions and opportunities are documented in Salesforce. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including a background check and maintaining registration in good standing.

The role is based in the Chicago West Market, with listed Illinois locations in Hinsdale, Lisle, Oak Brook, Orland Park, Rockford, and Schaumburg. Merrill describes its culture as committed to office-based attendance, with role-specific flexibility. The position is first shift and 40 hours per week. Pay is $80,000–$90,000 annualized, with formulaic incentive-plan eligibility. The role is benefits eligible and includes access to paid time off.

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.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the 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 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 complete SAFE Act registration and the 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 client 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 planning and investment strategies for clients when appropriate.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding 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 recommend suitable investment products and services to prospects and clients.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
• Work with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and provide comprehensive recommendations.
• Collaborate with and learn from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams, core banking partners, investment partners, and internal specialists.

Benefits

• Access to paid time off.
• Benefits eligibility.
• Formulaic incentive-plan eligibility, with incentives based on performance against defined metrics.
• Training and onboarding programs.
• One-on-one coaching from the Bank of America Academy and local leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed