Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor (Partially Licensed) - Chicago North Market

Bank of America • Highland Park, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor (MFSA) works with affluent and high-net-worth clients in a Merrill branch to identify needs, develop relationships, review investment goals, and prepare investment recommendations aligned with clients’ goals. The position is part of the Advisor Development Program, which provides training, mentorship, and guidance along a defined path toward becoming a successful, independent financial advisor. The MFSA develops relationship-management skills and learns to build and manage a book of business, with the opportunity to progress to the next stage of training after demonstrating success.

The role includes delivering advice through client reviews and presentations, learning to recommend investment advisory strategies, connecting clients with appropriate banking and investment solutions, and building a professional network by working with Financial Advisor teams and internal service providers. The position is located in a Merrill branch and is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and a background check for employees engaged in residential loan mortgage originations.

Requirements

• Currently holds FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE).
• At least 4 years of progressive professional and/or military experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in the investments industry.
• Ability to obtain Series 7 and Series 66 licenses within the allotted program time.
• Efficiently manages time and capacity as a self-starter.
• Sets and accomplishes goals.
• Builds and nurtures strong relationships.
• Collaborates effectively with others.
• Communicates effectively and confidently and is comfortable engaging with all clients.
• Manages goals, navigates complexity, prioritizes tasks, and executes in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn, adapt to new information, and seek appropriate solutions for clients.
• Incorporates relevant regulatory due diligence into daily activities and long-term client strategies.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in financial services and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
• Strong computer skills and ability to multitask in a demanding environment.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a business-related field.
• Proven ability to partner and promote lead generation.
• Experience balancing investment management, sales activities, and new client development.
• Additional professional designations such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and/or Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC).
• Insurance licenses.

Responsibilities

• Learn to provide tailored advice through client reviews and presentations, partnering with management to assess financial goals and recommend investment advisory strategies.
• Understand client solutions suited to their financial needs, including core banking and Investment and Life Priority™ solutions.
• Shadow Financial Advisor teams, share relevant market developments, and discuss new products as appropriate to support portfolio growth.
• Use available resources and technology to optimize customer experience and deliver accurate, operationally excellent service.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop a book of business, meet financial targets, and prepare to progress to the next advisor development phase.
• Build relationships with internal service providers based on client needs and asset thresholds.
• Proactively manage risk across business, product, and service transactions using available tools.
• Identify client needs, develop relationships, review investment goals, and prepare recommendations for existing and prospective clients.
• Build a network and business, develop relationship-management skills, and learn to market and manage a practice.
• Connect clients to appropriate banking and investment solutions through Bank of America and Merrill.
• Complete SAFE Act registration requirements and maintain registration in good standing.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility.
• Access to paid time off.
• Resources and support for employees.

What This Job Offers

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