Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate–Advisor Development Program: Charlotte & Associates

Bank of America • Huntersville, NC

10d • 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 individuals transitioning toward a career as a Financial Advisor. The role provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), serves as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs, and acts as a resource for FAs. The position supports enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy, with solutions tailored to the needs of each FA’s business.

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 65 licenses are accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, the associate learns foundational client-associate skills. Once key milestones are met—including proficiency in the current role and completion of experiential activities demonstrating advisor potential—the associate progresses to the next stage of the Advisor Development Program as a Financial Advisor trainee. After dedicated training, the trainee works in a Merrill office acquiring, building, and managing client relationships, considering clients’ complex financial circumstances, and providing advice and solutions. Successful completion of trainee performance requirements leads to the destination role of Merrill Financial Advisor.

The program provides dedicated programs, tools, and resources throughout the career journey. It includes progressive roles involving business development, prospecting, client needs assessment, referrals, customized solutions, investment recommendations, practice management, training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education. Bank of America describes its culture as in-office and collaborative, with role-specific flexibility based on responsibilities and business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, secondary school diploma, or equivalent.
• 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.
• 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 key partners, as well as 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 in applications such as Microsoft Suite.
• Must complete SAFE Act registration and the required background check and maintain good standing; failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in termination.

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.
• Act as a resource for Financial Advisors and customize support based on the needs of their businesses.
• 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 on the bank’s service and banking offerings.
• 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 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 to meet and exceed established performance hurdles.
• 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 building, administrative compliance, and professional development.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget resources to run a productive practice.
• Consult specialists as appropriate to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
• Complete required training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Acquire, build, and manage client relationships as a Financial Advisor trainee, considering clients’ financial circumstances and providing advice and solutions.

Benefits

• Dedicated study time for securities licensing exams.
• World-class training and onboarding programs.
• Training and one-on-one coaching from the Academy at Bank of America 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