Advisor Development Program Client Associate

About Merrill Wealth Management

Merrill Wealth Management, a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products, is one of the largest businesses of its kind globally. Specializing in goals-based wealth management, Merrill guides clients through planning for retirement, education, legacy, and other life goals. Trusted advisory teams combine Merrill's investment insights with Bank of America's banking convenience to help clients pursue their financial visions.

Merrill fosters an in-office culture, allowing for flexibility while valuing diversity in thought, business, and employees. Our Wealth Management team, representing diverse backgrounds, creates a culture-driven, resilient, results-focused, and effective work community.

The Advisor Development Program

The Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals seeking to transition careers and become a Financial Advisor. The Wealth Management Client Associate (WMCA) – Advisor Development Program (ADP) is an entry-level role, serving as the first step towards becoming a full-scale Financial Advisor at Merrill. This role primarily focuses on providing client service support to Financial Advisors (FAs).

Your Journey as a WMCA - ADP

Your journey begins with obtaining essential Securities Industry licenses. You will receive dedicated study time for your Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 Exams. These licenses must be obtained within 120 days. (Series 63 & 65 are accepted in lieu of 66 if previously held). After licensure, you will acquire foundational skills to excel as a WMCA - ADP.

Key Responsibilities of a WMCA - ADP

• Provide client service support to multiple Financial Advisors, customizing solutions to their specific needs.
• Support enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence goals, and client advocacy within the FA’s business.
• Serve as a primary point of contact within Merrill, addressing client service needs and acting as a resource for FAs.
• Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products.
• Educate clients on Bank of America’s service and banking offerings.
• Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and completeness in client materials and follow up on all client and FA requests.
• Assist with ensuring practices align with Bank of America's policies and procedures to support operational excellence and manage risk.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by promoting banking solutions.
• Perform general business growth support functions, providing business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support to multiple FAs.

Progression to Financial Advisor Trainee

Upon achieving key milestones, including proficiency in your WMCA - ADP role and completing experiential activities demonstrating advisor potential, you will progress to the next stage: Financial Advisor Trainee. This stage involves dedicated training to prepare you for building a book of business. You will then work in a Merrill office, acquiring, building, and managing client relationships, providing advice and solutions based on clients' complex financial pictures.

Becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor

Completing performance requirements as a Financial Advisor Trainee leads to the ultimate destination: becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. Throughout your career journey, you will receive dedicated programs, tools, and resources.

Advisor Development Program Engagements

Our progressive roles within the Advisor Development Program involve:

• Developing a book of business to meet and exceed performance hurdles.
• Effectively prioritizing prospective clients, capitalizing on referrals, assessing customer needs, and executing customized solutions.
• Recommending suitable investment products and services based on client objectives, resources, and risk profiles.
• Balancing investment growth, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospecting, and administrative compliance.
• Organizing and managing resources to run a productive practice.
• Seeking specialist expertise for planning and investment strategies.
• Completing mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education.

How We Support You

• Build a successful career through world-class training and onboarding programs.
• Receive training and one-on-one coaching from our award-winning Academy at Bank of America and local leadership.
• Grow your business knowledge using a defined consultative approach to identify client needs and solutions.
• Provide comprehensive advice, deliver confident client reviews, and recommend strategies for financial goals.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to offer integrated solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
• Strong client relationship-building skills through effective communication.
• Proactive mindset and effective time management.
• Results-driven growth mindset, prioritizing client interests.
• Ability to identify appropriate client solutions through learning and new information.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Proven ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively on a team and independently.
• Proven ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proven ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Computer/technical literacy and proficiency in applications such as Microsoft Suite.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of work experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

Key Skills/Competency

• Account Management
• Client Management
• Customer and Client Focus
• Issue Management
• Oral Communications
• Business Development
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Pipeline Management
• Prioritization
• Trade Operations Management