Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate–Advisor Development Program: Blue Ridge

Bank of America•Lynchburg, VA

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, designed for people transitioning careers and working toward becoming Financial Advisors. In the initial role, the associate provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors, serving as a frequent point of contact for client service needs and as a resource to the advisory team. The work supports strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy, with solutions tailored to the needs of each Financial Advisor’s business. The program begins with dedicated study time for the Securities Industry Essentials (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 licensing, associates learn the foundational skills for the role. Upon meeting milestones that include proficiency in the current role and experiential activities demonstrating advisor potential, participants progress to a Financial Advisor trainee role. They receive dedicated training and then work in a Merrill office acquiring, building, and managing client relationships, considering clients’ financial circumstances and providing advice and solutions. After completing performance requirements as a trainee, participants can progress to become Merrill Financial Advisors. The program’s progressive roles include developing a book of business; sourcing and prioritizing prospects and referrals; assessing client needs and recommending suitable investment products and services; coordinating client follow-up, administrative and compliance work, and professional development; managing resources to run a productive practice; consulting specialists on planning and investment strategies; and completing required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. The role partners with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client service, risk, investments, and banking products, with guidance and escalation as appropriate. Merrill describes its work culture as in-office, supporting collaboration, engagement, and career development, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs. The position is based at the Lynchburg, Virginia office. It is a first-shift role scheduled for 37.5 hours per week. Compensation is $35.90 per hour, with offers determined by experience, education, and skill set; the role has a base salary and is not incentive eligible. The position is benefits eligible. Registration under the SAFE Act, including a background check and registration process, is required; failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, secondary school education, or equivalent.
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.
Results-driven growth mindset and prioritization of 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.
Ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
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 extensive prospecting and networking.
Strong follow-through skills.
Computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
Register under SAFE Act requirements and complete the required background check and registration process; 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’ service needs.
Partner with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products, seeking guidance and escalating issues as needed.
Educate clients about 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 outputs to the Financial Advisor.
Provide business growth support, 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 as the program progresses.
Prioritize and source prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess customer needs, refer clients to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
Recommend investment products and services suitable to prospects’ objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referral activities, follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development in daily and longer-term planning.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
Consult specialists as appropriate to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
Obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days, unless previously held Series 63 and 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66.
Complete experiential activities and role milestones to progress to the Financial Advisor trainee stage, and meet trainee performance requirements to progress toward becoming a Financial Advisor.