Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: Northern New Jersey Market

Bank of America • Wayne, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA-ADP) is an entry role for people seeking to transition into a career as a Merrill Financial Advisor. The role begins with client-service support for multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), while participants obtain securities licenses and develop the foundational skills needed to serve clients and support an advisory practice. Dedicated study time is provided for the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 exams; these licenses must be obtained within 120 days. Previously held Series 63 and 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66.

After demonstrating proficiency in the current role and completing experiential activities that demonstrate advisor potential, participants progress to the next stage of the Advisor Development Program as Financial Advisor trainees. Following dedicated training, trainees work in a Merrill office to acquire, build, and manage client relationships, consider clients’ complex financial circumstances, and provide advice and solutions. Completing the trainee performance requirements leads to the destination role of Merrill Financial Advisor. Dedicated programs, tools, and resources support participants throughout this progression.

The role supports enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy by providing service tailored to the needs of the FAs’ businesses. Client Associates are frequent points of contact for clients and resources for FAs. They partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client service, risk, investments, and banking matters, with appropriate guidance and escalation as needed. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration and a background check.

Merrill describes its culture as committed to in-office collaboration, engagement, and career development, with role-specific flexibility based on responsibilities and business needs. The listed location is 1700 State Route 23, Wayne, New Jersey. The schedule is first shift, 37.5 hours per week. Pay is $35.90 per hour; offers are determined based on experience, education, and skill set. Compensation is a base salary and is not incentive eligible. The role is benefits eligible.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, secondary-school equivalent, or equivalent.
• Confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
• Ability to build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
• Proactive mindset and effective time management.
• Results-driven growth mindset and prioritization of client interests.
• Ability to identify appropriate client solutions by applying learning and new information.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
• Ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and key partners, as well as independently.
• Ability to listen and ask questions to clarify and understand needs.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
• Strong follow-through skills.
• Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 within 120 days, or hold Series 63 and 65 in lieu of Series 66.
• Ability to complete required SAFE Act registration and background-check process and maintain good standing.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors and serve as a frequent Merrill point of contact for their clients.
• Act as a resource for Financial Advisors and customize support to the needs of their practices.
• Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products; receive guidance and escalate issues as needed.
• Educate clients on the bank’s service and banking offerings.
• Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
• Help align practices with bank policies and procedures to support operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by emphasizing bank offerings and encouraging the incorporation of banking into day-to-day practices; communicate relevant outputs to the Financial Advisor.
• Provide general business-growth support, including business development, investment solutions, and/or business-management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
• Obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days, unless Series 63 and 65 are held in lieu of Series 66.
• Complete role milestones and experiential activities, then progress to Financial Advisor trainee responsibilities and, after meeting performance requirements, the Financial Advisor destination role.
• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed established performance hurdles.
• Prioritize and source prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer customers to internal specialists, and deliver customized solutions.
• Recommend suitable investment products and services based on prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referrals, client follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, and professional development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Consult specialists as appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Register under the SAFE Act and complete the required background check and registration process.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible.
• Access to paid time off.
• Industry-leading benefits, resources, and support.
• Dedicated training, onboarding, and one-on-one coaching through Bank of America’s Academy and local leadership.

What This Job Offers

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