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

Bank of America • Huntersville, NC

12d

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 transitioning into a career as a Financial Advisor. The role provides client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors (FAs), serving as a frequent point of contact for their clients and a resource to the advisory team. The associate supports client needs and the FAs’ business while advancing operational excellence, client advocacy, and enterprise strategic objectives.

The development journey 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, the associate learns foundational client-associate skills and progresses through milestones that include proficiency in the current role and experiential activities demonstrating readiness to become an advisor.

After meeting those milestones, participants advance to Financial Advisor trainee, receive dedicated training, and begin building a book of business. In that stage, they acquire, build, and manage client relationships, consider clients’ complex financial pictures, and provide advice and solutions. After completing trainee performance requirements, the intended destination is a Merrill Financial Advisor role. Dedicated programs, tools, and resources support participants throughout the progression.

The program’s progressive roles involve developing a book of business, sourcing and serving prospective clients, assessing needs, making suitable recommendations, coordinating with internal specialists, managing business and compliance activities, and completing required training and continuing education. The position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including registration, a background check, and maintaining good standing. The stated schedule is first shift, 37.5 hours per week. Merrill describes an in-office culture with expectations and flexibility based on role responsibilities and business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, secondary school, or equivalent.
• Obtain SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 securities licenses within 120 days; Series 63 and Series 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 prioritization of 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 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 required registration and background-check processes, 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

• Provide client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors and act as a frequent point of contact for their 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 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.
• Support alignment with bank policies and procedures to promote operational excellence, protect clients, and manage risk.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by emphasizing the bank’s offerings and incorporating banking into day-to-day practices; communicate outcomes to the Financial Advisor.
• Provide 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, referrals, customer follow-up, prospecting, administrative compliance, and personal development in day-to-day and longer-term planning.
• Organize and manage time, people, and budget to operate a productive practice.
• Consult specialists as appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days, subject to the stated Series 63 and Series 65 substitution.

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