Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate–Advisor Development Program: Greater Dallas

Bank of America•Frisco, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Merrill Wealth Management is hiring a Wealth Management Client Associate for its Advisor Development Program in Greater Dallas. The program is designed for people making a career transition with the goal of becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. The role begins with providing client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors while progressing through training and performance milestones toward a Financial Advisor trainee role and, ultimately, a Financial Advisor position. The initial phase includes dedicated study time to obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, participants learn foundational skills for the Client Associate role. Once they demonstrate proficiency and complete experiential activities, they can progress to Financial Advisor trainee training, then build and manage client relationships and a book of business from a Merrill office. The program provides dedicated training, tools, and resources throughout the career progression. The role serves as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs and a resource to Financial Advisors. It supports client advocacy, operational excellence, and enterprise strategic objectives, tailoring solutions to the needs of the advisory team and its clients. The position works with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, Market Supervision Managers, and other banking and investment partners. It is subject to SAFE Act registration, including a required background check and registration process; failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination. Merrill describes its culture as in-office, with expectations and flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs. The position is listed as first shift, with 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, secondary school qualification, or equivalent.
Obtain SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; Series 63 and Series 65 are accepted in lieu of Series 66 if previously held.
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 that prioritizes 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 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.
Must register under the SAFE Act and complete 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 as needed.
Educate clients about the bank’s services and banking offerings.
Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
Support compliance with bank policies and procedures to promote operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by communicating the bank’s offerings, encouraging banking integration into day-to-day practices, and communicating outcomes to the Financial Advisor.
Provide business-growth support, including business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
Develop a book of business and meet or exceed established performance hurdles as part of the program’s progressive roles.
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, referral activities, customer follow-up, prospect development, administrative compliance, 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 required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education.