Merrill Advisor Development Program | Bank of America

Job Description

Company: Bank of America

Position: Merrill Advisor Development Program – Financial Advisor

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Bridgewater, New Jersey, United States

Shift: 1st Shift

Hours Per Week: 40 Hours

Department: Wealth Management

Merrill Wealth Management is seeking candidates for the Advisor Development Program – Financial Advisor role. This program is designed for individuals interested in building a career as a Financial Advisor by developing client relationships, understanding financial goals, delivering investment recommendations, and growing a successful wealth management practice.

About Merrill Wealth Management

Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. The organization specializes in goals-based wealth management, helping clients plan for retirement, education, legacy, and other important life goals through personalized investment guidance.

Merrill Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates help clients pursue their financial goals through trusted advisory relationships supported by Merrill investment insights and the banking capabilities of Bank of America.

Position Overview

The Merrill Advisor Development Program – Financial Advisor works with high-net-worth individuals to identify financial needs, build client relationships, review financial goals, and provide customized investment recommendations. The role includes mentorship from Merrill Financial Advisor Teams while developing the skills and experience needed to build a successful advisory practice.

Key Responsibilities

Client Advisory & Relationship Management

• Work with clients and prospects to understand financial objectives and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Recommend investment products and services based on client goals, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Provide client reviews, presentations, and comprehensive financial guidance.
• Build trust and credibility through strong client relationships.

Business Development & Practice Growth

• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed performance expectations.
• Source prospective clients through referrals, networking, and relationship-building activities.
• Assess customer needs and connect clients with appropriate internal specialists.
• Organize and manage resources including time, people, and budget to operate a productive practice.

Investment Services & Compliance

• Serve as an interim Financial Advisor by providing suitable investment recommendations.
• Service client accounts and support ongoing client needs.
• Complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Document client interactions and opportunities accurately within Salesforce.

Lead Management & Client Support

• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings.
• Position the capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America solutions.
• Collect client profile information following standard KYC procedures.
• Collaborate with banking and investment partners to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Currently holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses (Series 63 and 65 accepted in place of Series 66).
• Minimum one (1) year of experience working in financial services and/or a sales environment with achieved performance goals.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in the investments industry, including investment training and knowledge of investment products and services.
• Ability to engage, influence, and build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to assess client needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teams and key partners.
• Strong listening and questioning skills.
• Goal-oriented and results-driven mindset.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with client prospecting and networking abilities.
• Ability to work in a performance-based compensation environment.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or financial services or sales experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and applications.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Core Skills

• Wealth Management
• Financial Advisory
• Business Development
• Client Relationship Management
• Prospecting
• Wealth Planning
• Investment Management
• Portfolio Analysis
• Risk Management
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Referral Management
• Trading
• Business Acumen
• Analytical Thinking
• Active Listening

Why Join Merrill Wealth Management?

• Build a career as a Financial Advisor through structured development programs.
• Receive world-class training and onboarding through Bank of America Academy.
• Gain coaching and mentorship from experienced Merrill leaders.
• Develop expertise through a consultative approach to financial planning.
• Collaborate with Merrill and Bank of America investment and banking partners.
• Help clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice.

Work Environment

Merrill is committed to an in-office culture that supports collaboration, engagement, and career development. Employees work in an environment that values diverse perspectives, continuous learning, innovation, and client-focused solutions.

Benefits & Rewards

Merrill and Bank of America provide employees with professional development opportunities, training programs, career growth support, and access to resources that help employees build successful financial advisory careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Merrill Wealth Management and Bank of America are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and value individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career journeys.

This position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Employees engaged in residential mortgage loan originations must complete federal registration requirements, maintain good standing, and successfully complete required background checks and registration processes.

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