Merrill Advisor Development Program- Financial Advisor: Mid Land Market

Job Overview

Merrill Wealth Management, part of Bank of America, offers comprehensive wealth management services. The Merrill Advisor Development Program (Financial Advisor) is designed for individuals who want to transition into a career as a Financial Advisor. The role focuses on building a client base of high‑net‑worth individuals, developing relationships, reviewing financial goals, and delivering comprehensive recommendations aligned with clients’ objectives.

• Develop and grow a book of business to meet and exceed performance hurdles.
• Prioritize sourcing prospective clients, leverage referrals, assess customer needs, and refer customers to appropriate internal specialists.
• Create highly customized solutions to meet client needs and recommend suitable investment products and services.
• Balance investment growth, referral activities, client follow‑up, prospect building, and compliance along with personal growth.
• Organize and manage resources (time, people, budget) to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise when needed to develop planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals and continuing‑education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries, position Merrill and Bank of America capabilities, collect client profile data through standard KYC procedures, serve as interim Financial Advisor, document all interactions in Salesforce.

• Current Series 7 and Series 66 licenses (Series 63 and 65 may substitute for 66).
• Minimum one year of experience in the financial services or sales industry where goals were met or exceeded.
• Minimum one year in the investments industry with training and in‑depth knowledge of investment products.
• Proven ability to engage, influence, and build trust and credibility.
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
• Ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented, and proactive in listening and probing for clarity.
• Goal‑oriented, entrepreneurial mindset with strong prospecting and networking skills.
• Ability to work in a performance‑based compensation environment.
• Strong follow‑through, computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Bachelor’s degree or at least one year of financial services or sales experience.
• Adaptability to new technologies, multitasking, and strong business acumen.

• Business acumen, business development, oral communication, prospecting, wealth planning, analytical thinking, client experience, branding, client investment, management, portfolio analysis, risk management, active listening, client solutions, advisory, emotional intelligence, referral management, trading.

• Annual salary range: $80,000.00 – $90,000.00 (plus incentives).
• Incentives:
  
  eligible for a formulaic incentive plan based on performance metrics.
• Benefits: eligible for industry‑leading benefits, paid time off, and other employee support programs.

• Shift: 1st shift (United States).
• Hours per week: 40.
• Locations:
  Bloomington, IL and Peoria, IL (specific addresses omitted).

• Position subject to SAFE Act registration requirements; employees involved in residential loan mortgage originations must register with the federal registry system and undergo the required background check.