Merrill Advisor Development Program – Financial Advisor | Bank of America

Job Description

Company: Merrill Wealth Management (Bank of America)

Position: Merrill Advisor Development Program – Financial Advisor: Southern CT Market

Job ID: JR-26011372

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Locations: Stamford, Connecticut; New Canaan, Connecticut; Greenwich, Connecticut; Darien, Connecticut

Salary: USD $80,000 – $90,000 per year

Travel: Up to 5%

Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age

Work Schedule: 1st Shift (40 Hours per Week)

Merrill Wealth Management is seeking ambitious financial professionals to join the Merrill Advisor Development Program (ADP). This comprehensive career development program is designed for individuals looking to transition into a successful Financial Advisor career while building lasting client relationships, growing a book of business, and delivering personalized wealth management solutions.

About Merrill Wealth Management

Merrill Wealth Management is one of the world’s leading providers of comprehensive wealth management and investment advisory services for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

The firm specializes in goals-based wealth management, helping clients plan for retirement, education, wealth preservation, legacy planning, and other long-term financial objectives. Merrill combines industry-leading investment insights with the banking capabilities of Bank of America to provide clients with integrated financial solutions.

Merrill promotes an inclusive, collaborative, and in-office culture that supports career growth, professional development, and exceptional client service.

About the Merrill Advisor Development Program

The Merrill Advisor Development Program (ADP) prepares motivated professionals to become successful Financial Advisors through structured training, mentorship, coaching, and real-world client experience.

Participants receive guidance from experienced Merrill Financial Advisor teams while developing the skills needed to build client relationships, grow investment portfolios, and establish a successful advisory practice.

Position Overview

As a Merrill Advisor Development Program Financial Advisor, you will work with high-net-worth individuals and prospective clients to understand their financial goals, recommend appropriate investment solutions, and develop long-term advisory relationships.

The role combines client acquisition, financial planning, investment advisory services, portfolio management, and business development within one of the world’s leading wealth management organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Develop and grow a personal book of business.
• Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and prospective clients.
• Identify client financial needs, goals, and investment objectives.
• Deliver personalized wealth management recommendations.
• Maintain long-term client relationships through ongoing financial reviews.

Business Development

• Source prospective clients through networking, referrals, and business development activities.
• Prioritize prospecting activities to exceed established business goals.
• Develop customized financial solutions aligned with client objectives.
• Collaborate with internal specialists to deliver comprehensive financial strategies.

Investment Advisory

• Recommend investment products and wealth management solutions.
• Assess client objectives, risk tolerance, resources, and investment timelines.
• Provide portfolio recommendations that support clients’ financial goals.
• Support portfolio growth through proactive client engagement.

Practice Management

• Balance client acquisition, portfolio management, referrals, administrative responsibilities, and professional development.
• Manage time, resources, and business priorities effectively.
• Complete required training, continuing education, and performance goals.

Client Support

• Respond to inbound inquiries regarding Merrill products and services.
• Present Merrill Wealth Management and Bank of America capabilities to prospective clients.
• Collect client information and complete Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
• Open new client accounts in accordance with regulatory procedures.
• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor while providing suitable investment recommendations.
• Maintain accurate client records and document all client interactions within Salesforce.

Training & Career Development

Participants in the Merrill Advisor Development Program receive:

• Comprehensive onboarding and world-class Financial Advisor training.
• One-on-one coaching through Bank of America’s award-winning Academy.
• Mentorship from experienced Merrill Financial Advisor teams.
• Business development training using a consultative advisory approach.
• Experience delivering client presentations and financial reviews.
• Collaboration with banking, lending, and investment specialists.
• Access to the full range of Bank of America and Merrill financial solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses (Series 63 & 65 accepted in lieu of Series 66).
• Minimum one (1) year of experience within the financial services industry and/or sales environment with demonstrated achievement of performance goals.
• Minimum one (1) year of investment industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of investment products and wealth management services.
• Proven ability to influence and engage clients.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to quickly establish trust and credibility with clients.
• Ability to assess client needs and recommend suitable financial solutions.
• Experience collaborating with internal partners and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent listening and consultative communication skills.
• Goal-oriented with strong business development capabilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proven prospecting and networking skills.
• Comfort working in a performance-based compensation environment.
• Strong follow-up and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum one year of financial services or sales experience.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and applications.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills.

Core Skills

• Business Acumen
• Business Development
• Prospecting
• Wealth Planning
• Portfolio Analysis
• Investment Management
• Risk Management
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Referral Management
• Trading
• Analytical Thinking
• Client Experience
• Emotional Intelligence
• Active Listening
• Oral Communication