Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate–Advisor Development Program: Carolina East

Bank of America • Wilmington, NC

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA–ADP) is an entry role for people transitioning into a career as 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; Series 63 and 65 may be accepted in place of Series 66 if previously held. After licensing, the associate learns foundational client-service skills while supporting multiple Financial Advisors (FAs). The associate is a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs and a resource for FAs, supporting client advocacy, operational excellence, and enterprise strategic objectives with solutions tailored to each FA’s business.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, secondary school qualification, or equivalent.
• Obtain SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; Series 63 and 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 and ability to prioritize 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 build trust and credibility quickly.
• Ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with key partners 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.
• Must meet SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration, a required background check, and maintaining 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

• Support multiple Financial Advisors with client service and business 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 appropriate.
• Educate clients about the bank’s services and banking offerings.
• Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and FA requests.
• Help keep practices aligned 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 relevant outputs to the FA.
• Provide business growth support aligned to the Client Associate or Wealth Management Client Associate role, including business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support to multiple FAs.
• Progress through the Advisor Development Program by meeting milestones, demonstrating proficiency, and completing experiential activities; later build a book of business as a Financial Advisor trainee and work toward becoming a Merrill Financial Advisor.
• As the program progresses, develop a book of business to meet and exceed performance hurdles; prioritize and source prospects, use referrals, assess needs, refer clients to internal specialists, and provide customized solutions.
• As the program progresses, recommend suitable investment products and services, seek specialist expertise for planning and investment strategies, and balance growth, referrals, follow-up, prospecting, compliance, and professional development.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED