Financial Advisor Trainee (Fort Smith, AR)

About the role

The Advisor Mastery Program (AMP) at Raymond James offers a comprehensive education for the next generation of Financial Advisors through distance learning, apprenticeship, and training at the firm’s international headquarters. The program takes a holistic approach, incorporating training for technical and sales skills to position new Advisors for success. As a Financial Advisor Trainee, you will work with a Mentor, Branch Manager, and/or a team of Financial Advisors to build an individual practice while balancing client development, sales, investment management, customer service, and compliance with personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Become trained and skilled to effectively perform the Financial Advisor role; if hired as a team candidate, the team will provide specific goals and expectations.
• Meet production targets that impact overall company revenue goals.
• Develop a book of business consistent with AMP program goals for assets under management and required production.
• Provide a high level of client service and manage the full scope of client relationships by evaluating financial needs, investment opportunities, and current holdings.
• Help clients identify investment objectives, communicate portfolio performance, and preserve client loyalty.
• Develop a client pipeline through prospecting, networking, community engagement, and niche development.
• Recommend suitable investment products, solutions, and services based on client needs, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
• Leverage internal resources to identify investment opportunities and solutions for clients.
• Open, transfer, and close customer accounts while maintaining accurate records and monitoring portfolios.
• Make recommendations aligned with economic conditions, client needs, and newly offered investments.
• Obtain and verify client instructions, enter orders, and ensure transaction completion.
• Complete required program training, obtain mandatory industry licenses within prescribed timeframes, and meet performance standards.
• Stay current on investment products, industry rules, regulations, and financial planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of economic and accounting principles, financial markets, banking, and financial data analysis.
• Understanding of basic sales principles and the firm’s structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.
• Proficiency in client relationship management systems and software for financial planning, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to identify customer needs through effective questioning and listening.
• Organize and manage multiple tasks with changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuously learn about investment products, industry rules, and financial planning.
• Communicate effectively with all organizational levels, both orally and in writing.
• Keep stakeholders informed about decisions, changes, and relevant information.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Persevere through rejection and demonstrate resilience during prospecting and networking.
• Network in the community and market yourself and Raymond James effectively.
• Demonstrate persistence in overcoming obstacles and handle high-stress situations calmly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university preferred, with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in sales (preferably intangible) or a business environment. Equivalent combinations of experience, education, and training may be considered.
• SIE certification required (or ability to obtain within four (4) months of starting the program).
• Series 7 and Series 66 licenses (or ability to obtain within four (4) months of starting the program).
• Life, Health, and Variable Annuity licenses (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of starting the program).

Benefits

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• Disability benefits.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave).
• Parental leave.

Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. For more details, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

Pay

Total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages and may include additional components such as cash or equity incentives, discretionary bonuses, or commissions.