Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: SD Financial Center Market

Bank of America • New York, NY

1d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals making a career transition to become Financial Advisors. 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 and meeting established performance hurdles; sourcing prospective clients and referrals; assessing customer needs and connecting them with internal specialists; recommending suitable investment products and services; and balancing growth, follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development. You will organize resources to run a productive practice, seek specialist expertise for planning and investment strategies, and complete required training, assessments, goals, and continuing education.

The position also handles inbound leads, presents Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, gathers client-profile information under standard KYC procedures, and may serve as an interim Financial Advisor. Client interactions and opportunities must be documented in Salesforce. The role is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements and a background check. It is a first-shift position scheduled for 40 hours per week, based at 225 Liberty Street in New York, NY. Merrill describes an in-office culture, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs.

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 financial services 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 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 most compensation is tied to performance.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• High school diploma, GED, secondary school qualification, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Learns and adapts 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, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
• Recommend investment products and services suited to 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 to identify appropriate client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads about Merrill offerings.
• Present 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, make suitable investment recommendations, and service client accounts.
• Accurately document client interactions and opportunities in Salesforce.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Access to paid time off.
• Formulaic incentive plan eligibility, with incentive opportunities potentially monthly, quarterly, and/or annual and earned based on performance against defined metrics.
• Training and onboarding programs, one-on-one coaching, and professional development support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED