Merrill Wealth Management Client Associate–Advisor Development Program: Blue Ridge

Bank of America•Lynchburg, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA-ADP) is an entry role for individuals transitioning toward a career as a Merrill Financial Advisor. The role begins with dedicated study time to obtain the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses within 120 days; previously held Series 63 and 65 licenses may be accepted in place of Series 66. After licensing, associates learn foundational skills and provide client-service support to multiple Financial Advisors, serving as a frequent Merrill contact for clients and a resource to the advisory team. As associates meet role-proficiency milestones and complete experiential activities demonstrating advisor potential, they progress to the next stage of the Advisor Development Program as Financial Advisor trainees. After dedicated training, trainees work in a Merrill office to acquire, build, and manage client relationships, assess clients’ financial circumstances, and provide advice and solutions. Successful completion of performance requirements leads to the destination role of Merrill Financial Advisor. The program provides dedicated training, tools, and resources throughout the career progression. The position is in an in-office culture with role- and business-needs-based flexibility. It is a first-shift role, 37.5 hours per week, based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Compensation is $35.90 per hour, with offers determined by experience, education, and skill set; the position has base pay and is not incentive eligible. It is benefits eligible.

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.
Display confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
Build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
Demonstrate a proactive mindset and effective time management.
Demonstrate a results-driven growth mindset and prioritize client interests.
Identify appropriate client solutions by applying learning and new information.
Have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrate the ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
Demonstrate the ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
Work both collaboratively with key partners and independently.
Listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
Have an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
Have strong follow-through skills.
Have computer and technical literacy, including proficiency with applications such as Microsoft Suite.
Meet the minimum education requirement of a high school diploma, GED, secondary school, or equivalent.
Complete SAFE Act registration and the required background check and registration process; 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 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 as needed.
Educate clients about the bank’s services 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 communicating bank offerings and promoting banking integration into day-to-day practices; communicate relevant outputs to the Financial Advisor.
Provide business-growth support, including business development, investment solutions, and/or business-management support to multiple Financial Advisors.
Progress through the Advisor Development Program by completing licensing, training, milestones, experiential activities, performance goals, assessments, and continuing education.
As a Financial Advisor trainee, develop a book of business and meet or 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 activity, customer follow-up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal development.
Organize and manage time, people, and budget to run a productive practice.
Seek specialist expertise where appropriate to identify client planning and investment strategies.
Build and manage client relationships, consider clients’ complex financial circumstances, and guide them with advice and solutions.