Advisor Development Program Client Associate - San Francisco

Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. Specializing in goals-based wealth management, Merrill helps clients plan for retirement, education, legacy, and other life goals through personalized investment advice and guidance. Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates build trusted relationships to support clients in pursuing their envisioned life.

About the role

The Wealth Management Client Associate – Advisor Development Program (WMCA - ADP) is an entry-level role designed for individuals transitioning into a career as a Financial Advisor. This progression role focuses on providing client service support to Financial Advisors while participants obtain necessary Securities Industry licenses (SIE, Series 7, and Series 66 within 120 days). Upon licensure, participants develop foundational skills to serve as the primary client contact, addressing service needs and supporting Financial Advisors. Successful completion of milestones leads to progression into building a book of business as a Financial Advisor trainee, with the ultimate goal of becoming a full-scale Merrill Financial Advisor.

Responsibilities

• Support Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers in client servicing, risk management, investments, and banking products, escalating issues as needed.
• Provide excellent client service by educating clients on the bank’s offerings and ensuring timely, accurate, and complete client materials.
• Follow up on all client and Financial Advisor requests while aligning practices with bank policies to support operational excellence and risk management.
• Identify, deepen, and maintain client relationships by promoting banking solutions and communicating outputs to Financial Advisors.
• Perform business growth support functions, including business development, investment solutions, and business management for multiple Financial Advisors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client service needs and act as a resource for Financial Advisors.
• Develop a book of business to meet performance hurdles, prioritize prospective clients, and execute customized solutions based on client needs.
• Recommend suitable investment products and services aligned with client objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activities, client follow-up, prospect building, compliance, and personal development.
• Organize and manage resources (time, people, budget) to maintain a productive practice.
• Collaborate with specialists to identify planning and investment strategies for clients.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Provide comprehensive advice, deliver client reviews, and recommend strategies to achieve financial goals.
• Collaborate with core banking and investment partners to meet clients' financial needs.

Requirements

• Confidence working as a self-starter in a sales role.
• Ability to build strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.
• Proactive mindset with strong time management skills.
• Results-driven growth mindset prioritizing client interests.
• Ability to identify appropriate client solutions using new information and learnings.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Ability to assess client needs and recommend suitable solutions.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Strong listening and probing skills for clarity and understanding.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on prospecting and networking.
• Strong follow-through and computer/technical literacy (e.g., Microsoft Suite).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of work experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
• Experience executing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Skills

• Account Management
• Client Management
• Customer and Client Focus
• Issue Management
• Oral Communications
• Business Development
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Pipeline Management
• Prioritization
• Trade Operations Management
• Administrative Services
• Client Investments Management
• Emotional Intelligence
• Referral Identification
• Written Communications

Schedule

1st shift (United States of America), 37.5 hours per week.

This position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including background checks and federal registry system registration. Certain criminal histories may restrict or prohibit hiring for this role under laws such as FDIC, SAFE Act, Loan Originators, and FINRA regulations.