Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Greater Atlanta Merrill Market

Bank of America•Rome, GA

9d•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 deliver comprehensive recommendations aligned with the goals of existing and prospective clients. You will collaborate with and receive mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams while building experience and promoting portfolio growth. The role involves developing a book of business, sourcing and engaging prospective clients, recommending suitable investment products and services, and managing client follow-up and account servicing. You will balance business development, investment growth, compliance, administration, and professional development while organizing the resources needed to run a productive practice. You will complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. The position also handles inbound inquiries, gathers client profile information under standard KYC procedures, documents client interactions in Salesforce, and serves as an interim Financial Advisor. Bank of America provides training and onboarding, one-on-one coaching through its Academy and local leadership, and opportunities to collaborate with banking and investment partners. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including a background check and maintaining registration in good standing. It is based in Merrill’s in-office culture, with role-specific flexibility. The schedule is first shift, 40 hours per week.

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.
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 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 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, complete the required background check and registration process, 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.
Skills in business acumen, business development, oral communications, prospecting, wealth planning, analytical thinking, client experience branding, client investments management, portfolio analysis, risk management, active listening, client solutions advisory, emotional intelligence, referral management, and trading.

Responsibilities

Develop a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles.
Prioritize sourcing prospective clients, use referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
Recommend investment products and services suitable to prospects’ and 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.
Consult specialists as 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 position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities.
Collect client profile data and follow standard KYC procedures to open accounts as appropriate.
Serve as interim Financial Advisor, recommend suitable investment products and services, and service client accounts.
Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.
Provide comprehensive advice, conduct client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to support clients’ financial goals.
Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to connect clients with relevant Bank of America and Merrill solutions.