Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: San Francisco Market

Bank of America•San Francisco, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA–ADP) is an entry role in a progression program designed for people transitioning into a career as a Merrill Financial Advisor. In the initial role, the associate provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), helps advance operational excellence and client advocacy, and serves as a frequent point of contact for clients and a resource for the FA team. The role begins with dedicated study time to obtain the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days. Series 63 and Series 65 are accepted in place of Series 66 if previously held. After licensing, the associate learns foundational skills for the WMCA–ADP role. Upon meeting milestones—including proficiency in the current role and completing experiential activities that demonstrate advisor potential—the associate progresses to Financial Advisor trainee, receives dedicated training, and begins building a book of business. After completing trainee performance requirements, the ultimate destination is becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. Throughout the program, participants develop a book of business, identify and serve prospective clients, recommend suitable investment products and services, manage client relationships, and coordinate with specialists and internal partners. They balance business development, client follow-up, investment and referral activities, administrative compliance, and professional development. Merrill provides training, onboarding, one-on-one coaching, tools, and resources to support the career progression. The position is based at a Merrill office and is part of the company’s in-office culture.

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.
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 ability to prioritize 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 probe for clarity and understanding.
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.
High school diploma, GED, secondary school qualification, or equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and/or at least 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 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.
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 appropriate 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, client follow-up, prospecting, administrative compliance, and personal development through day-to-day and longer-term planning.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget resources to run a productive practice.
Seek specialist expertise as appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
Complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education.