Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Chicago West Market

Bank of America; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading benefits

Paid time off

Professional development resources

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Oak Brook is seeking a Financial Advisor to develop a book of business and deliver tailored investment solutions. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of one-year experience in financial services, hold necessary licenses, and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. This role involves handling client inquiries, recommending financial products, and collaborating with internal specialists to meet client needs. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Series 7 & 66 licenses required.
• Minimum of one year experience in the financial services industry.
• Proven ability to engage with and influence others.

Responsibilities

• Handle inbound inquiries regarding Merrill offerings.
• Recommend suitable investment products and services.
• Collect necessary client profile data to open accounts.

Skills

Business Acumen

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Thinking

Client Solutions Advisory

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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.

Engagement

• 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

We'll Help You

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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 tied to performance
• Strong follow‑through skills
• Computer/technical literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of financial services industry or sales experience
• Learns and adapts to new technology or applications
• Executes multiple tasks simultaneously

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

Shift

1st shift (United States of America)

Hours Per Week

40

Pay Transparency Details

Pay range: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 annualized salary, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.

Formulaic Incentive Eligible

This role is eligible to participate in a formulaic incentive plan. Employees are eligible for incentives as detailed by the specific line of business incentive plan provisions. Formulaic plans may be comprised of monthly, quarterly and/or annual incentive opportunities. Incentives are earned based on performance against defined metrics.

Benefits

This role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry‑leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.

Compliance

This position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Pursuant to the SAFE Act, all employees engaged in residential loan mortgage originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Failure to obtain and/or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in immediate termination. The following laws or regulations restrict or prohibit the hiring of individuals with specific criminal history for this position: FDIC, Safe Act, Loan Originators, and FINRA.