Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Chicago West Market

Job Description

Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. We specialize in goal‑based wealth management, including retirement, education, legacy, and other life goals through investment advice and guidance. Merrill’s Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates help clients pursue the life they envision through a personal relationship with their advisory team committed to their needs.

Our advisory teams are equipped with the investment insights of Merrill coupled with the banking convenience of Bank of America.

Merrill is committed to an in‑office culture with specific office‑based attendance requirements while allowing flexibility based on role‑specific considerations. We value diversity and empower employees to bring their whole selves to work.

The Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals excited to make a career transition and to pursue a passion for becoming a Financial Advisor.

• Developing a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles
• Effectively prioritizing sourcing prospective clients, capitalizing on referrals, assessing customer needs, referring customers to appropriate internal specialists, and executing highly customized solutions to meet client needs
• Recommending investment products and services that are suitable for prospects based on their objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences
• Balancing investment growth, referral activities, customer follow‑up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development according to short‑term and long‑term planning
• Organizing and managing resources (time, people, budget) to run a productive practice
• Seeking the expertise of specialists, where appropriate, to identify planning and investment strategies for a client
• Completing mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements

• Build a successful career at Bank of America through world‑class training and onboard programs that set you up for success.
• Get training and one‑on‑one coaching from our award‑winning Academy at Bank of America and local leadership invested in your success.
• Grow your business knowledge by using a defined consultative approach to systematically identify client needs and appropriate solutions.
• Provide end‑to‑end comprehensive advice
  , delivering client reviews/presentations with confidence and recommending strategies to help achieve financial goals and life priorities.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners. Connect to all solutions we provide through Bank of America and Merrill to meet virtually all financial needs.

• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offering
• Position the extensive capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America
• Collect necessary client profile data, following standard KYC procedures to open account(s) as appropriate
• Serve as interim Financial Advisor, recommending suitable investment products and services and servicing client accounts
• Document all client interactions and opportunities within Salesforce accurately

• Currently holds Series 7 & 66 (or 63 & 65 in lieu of 66) licenses.
• Minimum of one year experience in the financial services industry and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
• Minimum one year experience in the investments industry, including training and in‑depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• Proven ability to engage with and influence others
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills – proven to build trust and credibility quickly
• Proven ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions
• Proven ability to work collaboratively on a team and with key partners
• Proven ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding
• Goal‑and results‑oriented
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking
• Ability to work in an environment where the majority of compensation is…