Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: West Florida Market (South)

Bank of America • Sarasota, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) is an entry role in Merrill’s Advisor Development Program, which is intended for people transitioning careers and pursuing a future as a Financial Advisor. The role provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), supports operational excellence and client advocacy, and serves as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs and a resource for FAs.

The program begins with dedicated study time to obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 securities licenses. These licenses must be obtained within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, participants learn foundational client-associate skills and progress through milestones, including proficiency in the current role and experiential activities demonstrating readiness to become an advisor. Participants then move into Financial Advisor trainee training and begin building a book of business. After meeting trainee performance requirements, the intended destination is a Merrill Financial Advisor role.

Throughout the progression, participants receive training, coaching, programs, tools, and resources. As a Financial Advisor, they work from a Merrill office to acquire, build, and manage client relationships, consider clients’ complex financial circumstances, and guide them with advice and solutions. Merrill describes its work culture as in-office, with flexibility appropriate to role responsibilities and business needs.

Requirements

• Obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66.
• Display confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
• Build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
• Demonstrate a proactive mindset and effective time management.
• Demonstrate a results-driven growth mindset and prioritize client interests.
• Identify appropriate client solutions by applying learnings and new information.
• Have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Have effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Quickly build trust and credibility.
• Assess client needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Work collaboratively with team partners and independently.
• Listen effectively and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
• Demonstrate strong follow-through skills.
• Have computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
• Meet SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration, maintaining good standing, and completing the required background check and registration process.

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 point of contact for clients’ service needs.
• Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products; seek guidance and escalate issues when 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.
• Support alignment with bank policies and procedures to promote operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by emphasizing bank offerings and incorporating banking into day-to-day practices; communicate relevant outputs to the Financial Advisor.
• Provide business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
• 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 execute customized solutions.
• Recommend suitable investment products and services based on prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referrals, customer follow-up, prospect building, compliance administration, and personal development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
• Consult specialists when appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.

Benefits

• World-class training and onboarding programs.
• Training and one-on-one coaching from the Bank of America Academy and local leadership.
• Dedicated programs, tools, and resources throughout the career journey.

What This Job Offers

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