Financial Advisor Trainee

Job Description Summary

This role handles a range of tasks and assignments and completes rotations across financial services work, under varying levels of supervision. The trainee builds skills that prepare them to move into a specific role within the organization.

Job Summary

Through distance learning, apprenticeship and training at the firm's international headquarters, the Advisor Mastery Program (AMP) offers comprehensive education for the next generation of Raymond James Financial Advisors. The program combines training in technical and sales skills to position new Advisors for success. Working with a Mentor, Branch Manager, and/or a team of Financial Advisors, the Trainee will learn to build an individual practice.

The Trainee will balance new client development, sales activities, investment management, customer service and compliance with personal and professional growth. The Trainee will also give clients sound financial advice consistent with their objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The AMP requirements support long-term development, whether a candidate plans to be a stand-alone Advisor or join an existing team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete training and become skilled in the Financial Advisor role. If hired as a team candidate, the team will set specific goals and expectations.
• Meet production targets that affect overall company revenue goals.
• Build a book of business consistent with AMP goals for assets under management and required production.
• Provide a high level of client service.
• Manage the full client relationship by evaluating financial needs, investment opportunities, current holdings and available investment capital.
• Help clients define investment objectives, communicating portfolio losses when necessary while preserving client loyalty.
• Develop a client pipeline through prospecting, networking, community initiatives, centers of influence and niche development.
• Recommend investment products, solutions and services suited to prospects and clients based on their needs, time horizons, risk profile and preferences.
• Draw on internal resources to identify investment opportunities and solutions for clients.
• Open, transfer and close customer accounts.
• Maintain accurate account records while monitoring the customer's portfolio.
• Make recommendations as economic and financial conditions, client needs and objectives change, including newly offered investments.
• Obtain and verify customer purchase and sale instructions, enter orders, and follow up on completed transactions.
• Complete required program training and assignments, obtain mandatory industry licenses within set timeframes, pass assessments and meet minimum performance and production standards.
• Stay current on investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Economic and accounting principles and practices.
• Financial markets, banking, and financial data analysis and reporting.
• Basic principles and methods for showing, promoting and selling products or services.
• The firm's working structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.

Skill in

• Operating client relationship management systems and other required software to produce financial plans, correspondence, reports, electronic communication, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Identifying customer needs through effective questioning and listening.

Ability to

• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks with frequently changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Keep learning investment products, industry rules and regulations, and financial planning.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with all organizational levels.
• Keep appropriate parties updated on decisions and changes, and explain the reasoning behind them.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Persevere, handle rejection and show resilience during prospecting and networking.
• Network in the community and market yourself and Raymond James effectively.
• Stay persistent in the face of obstacles.
• Accept criticism and stay calm in high-stress situations.

Compensation and Benefits

Total compensation includes base salary or wages and may include additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. The position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life, critical illness and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off; and parental leave. Benefits eligibility may vary by position and employment status. Details are available at Myrjbenefits.com.

Our Values

Raymond James associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. Associates at all levels are expected to grow professionally, work with and through others, make prompt and pragmatic choices with the client in mind, take ownership of results, and contribute to the firm's continuous evolution.

Raymond James values the uniqueness, experiences and backgrounds of all associates. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.