Advisor Development Program Client Associate

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 with specific requirements for office-based attendance and which allows for an appropriate level of flexibility for our teammates and businesses based on role-specific considerations. At Merrill, we empower you to bring your whole self to work. We value diversity in our thoughts, business, and within our employees and clients. Our Wealth Management team represents an array of different backgrounds and bring their unique perspectives, ideas and experiences, helping to create a work community that is culture driven, resilient, results focused and effective.

Role Specifics:

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) role is an entry role into our Advisor Development Program where the destination role is becoming a full-scale Financial Advisor at Merrill. This progression role is responsible for providing client service support to Financial Advisors (FAs).

As an WMCA - ADP your journey begins by obtaining your Securities Industry licenses, where you will receive dedicated study time for your Securities Industry Essentials [SIE], Series 7, and Series 66 Exams.  Your SIE, Series 7 & 66 must be obtained within 120 days; (63 & 65 accepted, in lieu of 66, if previously held). Once you obtain your licenses, you will be taught the foundational skills needed to be a WMCA - ADP. This job is responsible for providing client service support to multiple FAs.  Key responsibilities include supporting enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence goals, and client advocacy within the FA’s business, while customizing solutions based on their specific needs. Job expectations include serving as the most frequent point of contact within Merrill to address all service needs of their clients and acting as a resource for FAs on the team.   

Once you have reached your key milestones, including proficiency in your current role and the completion of experiential activities showcasing your ability to become an advisor, you will then progress into the role of Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor (MFSA).  You will complete dedicated training preparing you for the role of an MFSA.  Once you complete training you will continue to work in a Merrill office where you will be acquiring, building, and managing client relationships while considering a client’s complex financial picture and guiding them with advice and solutions. 

Once you complete your performance requirements as an MFSA, you will then progress further within the ADP program, with the ultimate destination of becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. You will be supported along the way with dedicated programs, tools, and resources throughout your career journey.

Required Qualifications:

• Displays confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role
• Builds strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration
• Displays a proactive mindset and effective time management
• Demonstrates a results-driven mindset and prioritizes client interests
• Identifies appropriate client solutions through application of learnings and new information
• Applies relevant regulatory due diligence in daily activities and creating long-term client strategies
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills
• Desires to build and grow an external network of contacts

Desired Qualifications:

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

Skills:

• Account Management
• Client Management
• Customer and Client Focus
• Issue Management
• Oral Communications
• Business Development
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Pipeline Management
• Prioritization
• Trade Operations Management
• Administrative Services
• Client Investments Management
• Emotional Intelligence
• Referral Identification
• Written Communications

Shift:

Hours Per Week: