Client Service Associate

Company Overview

Merit is a fast growing, pioneering financial services firm that invests heavily in the growth and development of team members. Merit seeks to establish, educate, and help individuals reach their financial goals as they transition into and experience retirement. With an unswerving commitment to excellence and reliability, Merit provides objective financial advice and believes in establishing long‑lasting relationships. By offering an array of services, clients can receive tailored solutions that promote growth and help them achieve financial goals.

Headquartered in Alpharetta, GA, Merit has 39 locations across the country and supports 250 hardworking employees.

Client Service Associate is a key role that ensures excellence in customer service. The associate manages client interactions, maintains confidentiality and discretion, and completes appropriate paperwork in a professional and timely manner.

• Develop and maintain solid relationships with clients.
• Assist with scheduling client appointments for the advisor.
• Investigate and resolve various administrative matters impacting the client’s overall situation, including abandoned property issues, cost basis determination, account and transaction history, identification of fees, resolution of corporate actions, and other relevant issues.
• Provide operational support for all existing and new clients, including but not limited to:
  • Account transfers
  • Money move requests
  • Branch check deposits to client accounts
  • Conversions
  • Beneficiary updates
  • Estate processing
  • Process and manage annuity‑captive and life policies
  • Alternative investment orders
  • Perform required client transactions, research and resolve inquiries, return client calls, and ensure client satisfaction.
• Review and resolve client account issues with custodians.
• Proactively follow up with clients to confirm account updates, paperwork, and check receipts.
• Meet with clients for new client forms, signatures, and processing when applicable.
• Review notes from client meetings and complete action items.
• Deposit physical checks received at the branch via remote check deposit tool.
• Track and document all account changes in Salesforce CRM accurately and timely.
• Review account transactions daily to monitor trade requests, confirm deposits, transfers, and withdrawal requests.
• Set up new client online account access and assist existing clients with online account access.
• Maintain required minimum distributions.
• Submit and follow up on advisory trade requests with Merit Investment Team.
• Document all communication and interactions with clients, prospects, and processing managers in Salesforce CRM promptly.
• Work closely with the Processing Manager.
• Maintain paperless client files on our cloud‑based system.
• Keep advisor book of business updated within custodian systems, Salesforce, and Orion.
• Collaborate with the Client Service team across all branches to keep up with custodian changes, and develop and improve systems and processes.
• Resolve account‑related compliance requests.
• Track and submit insurance licensing, renewal, and appointments.
• Maintain and submit branch compliance files quarterly.
• Handle miscellaneous operational activities and projects.
• Participate in prospect and client events.

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Life & personal accident insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, or Dependent Care FSA.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 1‑2 years in client service for a wealth management firm.
• Previous experience working on Fidelity or Schwab platforms.
• Excellent knowledge of securities industry rules and regulations.
• Proficient computer skills and proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, and Salesforce.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding teamwork and time‑management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and operate under tight deadlines.
• Strong team‑oriented mentality with a desire to achieve personal and company performance goals.
• Ability to interact with clients and team members professionally and respectfully.
• Detail‑oriented and self‑motivated.
• Curiosity and ingenuity to implement new client‑related technology solutions and creatively build and maintain company procedures.