Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: West Central Michigan Market

Bank of America•Traverse City, MI

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) is an entry role in Merrill’s Advisor Development Program, with the long-term destination of becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. Initially, the role provides client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), serving as a frequent point of contact for their clients and as a resource to the FAs. The WMCA - ADP supports strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy, tailoring solutions to each FA’s business needs. The career path begins with dedicated study time to obtain the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 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, the employee learns the foundational skills of the client associate role. Upon meeting milestones—including proficiency in the current role and completion of experiential activities demonstrating advisor potential—the employee progresses to Financial Advisor trainee, receives dedicated training, and begins building a book of business. In that stage, the employee works in a Merrill office to acquire, build, and manage client relationships, assess clients’ complex financial circumstances, and provide advice and solutions. Meeting the trainee performance requirements leads to the destination role of Merrill Financial Advisor. Dedicated programs, tools, and resources support the employee throughout the career journey. The progressive program includes developing a book of business; sourcing prospects and referrals; assessing needs and recommending suitable investment products and services; coordinating with internal specialists; balancing client, business-development, administrative, compliance, and professional-development activities; managing practice resources; and completing required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. Training and coaching are provided through Bank of America’s Academy and local leadership. Employees use a consultative approach to identify needs, provide comprehensive advice, present client reviews, recommend strategies, and collaborate with banking and investment partners. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Employees engaged in residential mortgage loan originations must register with the federal registry system and maintain good standing; this position requires registration and the associated background check and registration process. Failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in immediate termination. The schedule is first shift, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

Obtain 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.
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 skills.
Results-driven growth mindset and ability to prioritize client interests.
Ability to identify appropriate client solutions by applying learnings and new information.
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to build trust and credibility quickly.
Proven 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 probe for clarity and understanding.
Entrepreneurial mindset and proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
Strong follow-through skills.
Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
Meet SAFE Act registration, background-check, and registration-process requirements for the position; 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 point of contact for their clients.
Act as a resource for Financial Advisors and customize support to their business 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 as needed.
Educate clients about the bank’s service and banking offerings and provide excellent client service.
Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
Help ensure practices follow bank policies and procedures to support operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by communicating the bank’s offerings and encouraging integration of banking into day-to-day practices; communicate outcomes to the Financial Advisor.
Provide business-growth support aligned with the Client Associate or Wealth Management Client Associate role, including business development, investment solutions, and/or business-management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
Progress through licensing, foundational client associate training, experiential advisor-readiness activities, Financial Advisor trainee training, and performance milestones.
As a Financial Advisor trainee, build a book of business, source and prioritize prospects and referrals, assess client needs, and recommend suitable customized solutions.
Recommend investment products and services appropriate to prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referrals, client follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage the time, people, and budget needed to run a productive practice; consult specialists when appropriate to identify 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 through Bank of America’s Academy and local leadership.
Dedicated programs, tools, and resources throughout the career journey.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume