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 goal 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 clients and a resource for FAs. The associate supports client advocacy, operational excellence, and enterprise strategic objectives, tailoring service to the needs of each FA’s business. The program begins with dedicated study time to obtain the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days. Series 63 and 65 may be accepted in place of Series 66 if previously held. After licensing, participants learn foundational client-associate skills. Progression to the next stage requires proficiency in the current role and completion of experiential activities demonstrating advisor potential. Participants then train as Financial Advisor trainees, building a book of business and acquiring, developing, and managing client relationships while providing advice and solutions suited to clients’ financial circumstances. Successful completion of trainee performance requirements leads to the destination role of Merrill Financial Advisor. Across its progressive roles, the Advisor Development Program involves developing a book of business; sourcing and prioritizing prospects; using referrals and assessing client needs; recommending suitable investment products and services; coordinating with internal specialists; balancing investment growth, client follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development; managing practice resources; and completing required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. Bank of America provides training, onboarding, coaching, tools, and resources, with opportunities to 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.
Confidence working independently 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 commitment to prioritizing 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 quickly build trust and credibility.
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 Microsoft Suite applications.
The position requires SAFE Act registration, including the required background check and registration process; employees must remain in 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 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 when appropriate.
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, and communicate outcomes to the Financial Advisor.
Provide business-growth support, including business development, investment solutions, and business-management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
As participants progress through the program, build a book of business; source and prioritize prospective clients; use referrals; assess needs; refer clients to appropriate specialists; and deliver customized solutions.
Recommend investment products and services suited to prospective clients’ objectives, resources, time horizons, risk profiles, and preferences.
Balance investment growth, referrals, client follow-up, prospecting, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.

Benefits

World-class training and onboarding programs.
Training and one-on-one coaching from the Bank of America 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