Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program: Palo Alto Market

Bank of America • Palo Alto, CA

8d • 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 making a career transition toward becoming a Financial Advisor. The initial role provides client service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), serving as a frequent point of contact for clients’ service needs and as a resource to the FA team. The position supports strategic and operational objectives, client advocacy, and customized solutions for the FAs’ businesses.

The program 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 may be accepted in lieu of Series 66. After licensing, participants learn the foundational skills of the WMCA-ADP role. Progression depends on reaching key milestones, demonstrating proficiency, and completing experiential activities. Participants then move into a Financial Advisor trainee stage, with dedicated training and responsibility for acquiring, building, and managing client relationships. After meeting trainee performance requirements, the intended destination is a Merrill Financial Advisor role. The program provides dedicated programs, tools, and resources throughout the career journey.

The broader Advisor Development Program includes building a book of business, sourcing and assessing prospective clients, making suitable investment recommendations, coordinating referrals and specialist expertise, managing a productive practice, and completing required training and continuing education. The role works with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products, with guidance and escalation as needed. Merrill describes its work environment as committed to an in-office culture, with flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs.

This position may involve residential mortgage loan origination and requires SAFE Act registration and the associated background check. Employees must register and remain in good standing; failure to obtain or maintain registration may result in disciplinary action, up to termination. Applicable hiring restrictions include FDIC, SAFE Act, Loan Originators, and FINRA requirements. The role is based in Palo Alto, California, is on first shift, and is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week. Pay is $35.90 per hour; the role has base pay and is not incentive eligible.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, secondary school diploma, or equivalent.
• 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 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 quickly build trust and credibility.
• Ability to assess client 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 with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
• Register for the SAFE Act and maintain good standing, including completing the required background check, if engaged in residential mortgage loan origination.

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 support enterprise strategic objectives, operational excellence, and client advocacy.
• Develop a book of business and meet or exceed established performance hurdles as participants progress through the program.
• 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, prospecting, administrative compliance, and professional development.
• Organize and manage resources, including time, people, and budget, to run a productive practice.
• Seek specialist expertise when appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• 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.
• Ensure client materials are timely, accurate, and complete, and follow up on client and Financial Advisor requests.
• Help ensure practices align 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 to multiple Financial Advisors, including business development, investment solutions, and/or business management support.
• Build client relationships, deliver client reviews and presentations, and recommend strategies to help clients pursue financial goals and life priorities.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to connect clients with Bank of America and Merrill solutions.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits; the role is benefits eligible.
• Access to paid time off.
• Resources and support for employees.
• World-class training and onboarding programs.
• Training and one-on-one coaching from the Bank of America Academy and local leadership.

What This Job Offers

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