Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate - Advisor Development Program: Mountain West Market

Bank of America • Bozeman, MT

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) is an entry-level role designed for individuals seeking a career transition into becoming a Financial Advisor. This role serves as a progression into the Advisor Development Program, with the ultimate goal of becoming a full-scale Financial Advisor at Merrill. The WMCA - ADP provides essential client service support to Financial Advisors (FAs) and is responsible for supporting enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy. The journey begins with obtaining Securities Industry licenses (SIE, Series 7, and Series 66) within 120 days, with dedicated study time provided. Upon licensing, foundational WMCA - ADP skills are taught. The role involves being the primary point of contact for client service needs and acting as a resource for FAs. After reaching key milestones and demonstrating readiness, individuals progress to building a book of business as a Financial Advisor trainee, acquiring, building, and managing client relationships. The program culminates in becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor, with ongoing support through dedicated programs, tools, and resources.

Requirements

• 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 growth mindset and prioritizes client interests.
• Identifies appropriate client solutions through application of learnings and new information.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proven ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Proven ability to assess needs of and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Proven ability to work both collaboratively on a team with key partners and independently.
• Proven ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Computer/technical literacy and proficiency in applications such as Microsoft Suite.
• Obtain Securities Industry Essentials [SIE], Series 7, and Series 66 Exams within 120 days (63 & 65 accepted in lieu of 66, if previously held).
• High School Diploma / GED / Secondary School or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Providing client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs).
• Supporting enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence goals, and client advocacy.
• Customizing solutions based on specific needs.
• Serving as the most frequent point of contact for clients' service needs.
• Acting as a resource for FAs on the team.
• Developing a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles.
• Effectively prioritizing and sourcing prospective clients, capitalizing on referrals.
• Assessing customer needs and referring customers to appropriate internal specialists.
• Executing highly customized solutions to meet client needs.
• Recommending investment products and services 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 growth and development.
• 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.
• Partnering with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products.
• Providing excellent client service by educating clients on the bank's service and banking offerings.
• Ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and completeness in client materials and following up on all client and FA requests.
• Assisting with ensuring practices align with the bank's policies and procedures to support operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
• Identifying, deepening, and maintaining client relationships by emphasizing the bank's offerings and promoting the incorporation of banking into daily practices.
• Performing general business growth support functions aligned to the role of the Client Associate or Wealth Management Client Associate, providing business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support to multiple FAs.

Benefits

• World-class training and on-boarding programs.
• Training and one-on-one coaching from award-winning Academy at Bank of America and local leadership.
• Opportunity to grow business knowledge using a defined consultative approach.
• End-to-end comprehensive advice.
• Deliver client reviews/presentations with confidence.
• Recommend strategies to help achieve financial goals and life priorities.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners.
• Connect to all solutions provided through Bank of America and Merrill.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED