Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Columbia, South Carolina Market

Job Description:

Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. Merrill Wealth Management is one of the largest businesses of its kind in the world specializing in goals-based wealth management, including planning for 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. We believe trust comes from transparency. Our trusted advisory teams are equipped with access to the investment insights of Merrill coupled with the banking convenience of Bank of America.

Merrill is committed to an in-office culture that supports collaboration, engagement, and career development.  Our approach includes clear in-office expectations, while providing an appropriate level of flexibility based on role-specific responsibilities and business needs.

At Merrill, we empower you to bring your whole self to work. We value the unique perspectives in our thoughts, business, and within our employees and clients. Our Wealth Management team represents an array of different skills and experiences that individuals bring from all backgrounds and careers; whether gained through military service, community college education, or a wide range of work and life experiences. These journeys foster resilience, leadership and innovation, strengthening our workforce  and positively impact the communities we serve.

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

Internal employees who are currently working from home are still eligible to apply. However, if selected for the role, you may be required to work onsite in accordance with the workplace excellence policy.

Job Description:
This job is responsible for working with high-net worth clients with annual revenues of $100k-$5mm, identifying needs, developing relationships, reviewing investment goals, and preparing investment recommendations. Key responsibilities include leveraging technology to achieve business growth goals, profiling activities to determine a client's financial objectives. Job expectations include driving initiatives to maximize impact to clients and prospects, assisting with the execution of business development plans, understanding guidance on privacy and regulatory matters. This position may be responsible for the provision of residential mortgage loans, and as such, is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Pursuant to the SAFE Act requirements, all employees engaged in residential mortgage loan originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Since this position requires SAFE Act registration, employees are required to register and to submit to the required SAFE Act background check. Failure to obtain and/or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Responsibilities:

• Handles inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offering
• Positions the extensive capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America
• Collects the necessary client profile data, following standard KYC procedures to open account(s) as appropriate
• Serves as interim Financial Advisor, providing recommendation of investment products and services that are suitable for prospects and clients based on their objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences as well as servicing client accounts
• Documents all client interactions and opportunities within Salesforce accurately

Required Qualifications:

• Currently holds Series 7 and 66 (or the equivalent 63 and 65 in lieu of 66) licenses
• Minimum of one year of experience in the investments industry, including investment training and in-depth knowledge of investment products and services
• Minimum of one year of experience working in the financial service industry and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded
• Proven ability to engage with and influence others
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills with a proven ability to quickly build trust and credibility
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Proven ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding; assess needs; and recommend appropriate solutions/interventions
• Proven ability to work collaboratively on a team and with key partners
• Goal and results oriented with strong follow-through skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking
• Ability to work in an environment where the majority of your compensation is tied to your performance
• Possesses computer/technical literacy and is proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of financial services industry or sales experience
• Track record of quickly learning and adapting to new technologies, systems, and digital tools
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment

Skills:

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

Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma / GED / Secondary School or equivalent

Shift:

Hours Per Week: