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

Bank of America • Highland Park, NJ

5d • $38 - $43 • 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 role is part of the Advisor Development Program, which provides training, guidance, mentorship, and a defined path toward becoming a successful and independent financial advisor. The advisor develops the relationship-management skills needed to operate in an Elite Growth Practice and learns to build and manage a sustainable book of business.

Responsibilities include providing tailored advice through client reviews and presentations, understanding solutions that suit clients’ financial needs, building networks and business connections, using technology to support client experience and business growth, and managing risk in business, product, and service transactions. The position is based in a Merrill branch and is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and a required background check for employees engaged in residential mortgage loan origination.

The role is located at the Merrill branch at 1921 St Johns Ave, Highland Park, Illinois. It is a first-shift position scheduled for 40 hours per week. Pay is $38.46–$43.27 per hour, determined based on experience, education, and skill set; compensation is base salary and is not incentive eligible. The position is benefits eligible and includes access to paid time off.

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.
• Self-starter who efficiently manages time and capacity.
• Ability to set and accomplish goals.
• Ability to build and nurture strong relationships.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Effective and confident communication skills and comfort engaging with all clients.
• Ability to manage goals, navigate complexity, prioritize tasks, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn, adapt to new information, and seek appropriate solutions for clients.
• Thorough and thoughtful incorporation of 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, personalized advice through client reviews and presentations, partnering with management to assess financial goals and recommend investment advisory strategies.
• Understand client solutions suited to 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 and build a network.
• Use available resources and technologies to optimize the customer experience and serve customers with operational excellence and accuracy.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop a book of business, meet or exceed financial targets, and determine readiness to progress to the next advisor-development phase.
• Build relationships with internal service providers based on client needs and asset thresholds.
• Proactively manage risk in business, product, and service transactions using available tools.
• Identify client needs, develop relationships, review investment goals, and prepare recommendations for existing and prospective clients.
• Develop relationship-management skills and build a sustainable book of business.
• Connect clients with appropriate Bank of America and Merrill solutions, including core Banking and Investment & Life Priority™ solutions.
• Build connections and business opportunities, including through referrals and marketing strategies.
• Deliver client reviews and presentations, including reviews of financial goals and recommendations for investment advisory strategies.

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