Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Chicago North Market

Bank of America•Northbrook, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition to become a Financial Advisor. In this role, you will work with high-net-worth individuals to identify needs, develop relationships, review financial goals, and provide comprehensive recommendations for existing and prospective clients. You will collaborate with and receive mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor teams while building your experience and growing a portfolio. The position involves developing a book of business, sourcing prospective clients and referrals, assessing client needs, recommending suitable investment products and services, and delivering customized solutions. You will balance investment growth, client follow-up, prospecting, administrative compliance, and professional development while managing the resources needed to operate a productive practice. You will also complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. Responsibilities include handling inbound inquiries about Merrill offerings, explaining Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, gathering client profile information and following KYC procedures to open accounts, serving as an interim Financial Advisor, and accurately documenting client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce. The role is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements and the associated background check and registration process.

Requirements

Currently hold Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, or Series 7 and Series 63 and 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 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.
Ability to obtain and maintain required SAFE Act registration, including completing 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 prospective-client sourcing, 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 planning and investment strategies for clients.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings and explain the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
Collect necessary client profile data, follow standard KYC procedures, and open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as an interim Financial Advisor and recommend suitable investment products and services to prospects and clients.
Document all client interactions and opportunities accurately in Salesforce.