About The Position

This entry role in Merrill’s Advisor Development Program provides client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors and offers a progression toward becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor. The role begins with dedicated study time to obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 securities licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and Series 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, the associate learns foundational Client Associate skills and supports Financial Advisors’ client service, operational excellence, client advocacy, and business objectives by tailoring solutions to their needs. The associate is a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs and a resource to the Financial Advisors on the team. After demonstrating proficiency in the current role and completing experiential activities that showcase advisor readiness, the associate progresses to the next stage of the Advisor Development Program as a Financial Advisor trainee. Dedicated training prepares the trainee to build a book of business, acquire and manage client relationships, consider clients’ complex financial circumstances, and provide advice and solutions. Upon meeting performance requirements as a trainee, the destination role is Merrill Financial Advisor. Dedicated programs, tools, and resources support the career journey. The program’s progressive roles involve developing a book of business and meeting performance hurdles; sourcing prospects and referrals; assessing needs and recommending suitable, customized investment solutions; balancing client follow-up, prospecting, administrative and compliance work, and professional development; managing the resources needed to run a productive practice; consulting specialists on planning and investment strategies; and completing required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. Bank of America provides training, onboarding, Academy coaching, and local leadership support. Associates use a consultative approach to identify client needs, deliver reviews and presentations, recommend strategies, and collaborate with banking and investment partners.

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.
  • Demonstrate confidence 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.
  • Show a results-driven growth mindset and prioritize client interests.
  • Identify appropriate client solutions by applying learning and new information.
  • Have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
  • Quickly build trust and credibility.
  • Assess client needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
  • Work collaboratively with a team and key partners, as well as independently.
  • Listen effectively and probe for clarity and understanding.
  • Demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to source clients through prospecting and networking.
  • Show strong follow-through skills.
  • Have computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
  • Complete SAFE Act registration and the required background check, and 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

  • 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 align practices with bank policies and procedures to support 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 and meet or exceed established performance hurdles as the program progresses.
  • Prioritize and source prospective clients, capitalize on referrals, assess needs, refer clients to appropriate internal specialists, and execute customized solutions.
  • Recommend suitable investment products and services based on clients’ objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
  • Balance investment growth, referral activity, client follow-up, prospecting, administrative compliance, and personal development.
  • Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
  • Seek specialist expertise to identify appropriate client planning and investment strategies.
  • Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.

Benefits

  • Dedicated study time for securities licensing exams.
  • World-class training and onboarding programs.
  • Training and one-on-one coaching through the Bank of America Academy and local leadership.
  • Dedicated programs, tools, and resources throughout the career journey.
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