Controller - Calabasas

NewMark Merrill; Calabasas, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NewMark Merrill Companies seeks an experienced Controller to lead our property accounting function and deliver accurate, timely financial reporting for our retail real estate portfolio.

The Controller will manage a team including Assistant Controllers, Property Accountants, AR, AP, and Collections, working closely with senior leadership to drive process improvements and strong controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 7+ years progressive accounting experience.
• Experience leading an accounting team.
• Real estate or property management accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes with accuracy.
• Oversee CAM and tenant recovery reconciliations.
• Lead annual property budgeting and variance analysis.
• Oversee AP/AR, collections, and GL activities.
• Develop and improve accounting policies and internal controls.
• Coordinate insurance certificates and audits.
• Coach and develop the accounting team.
• Lead accounting for acquisitions and dispositions.
• Collaborate with management on issues and improvements.

Skills

Accounting

Leadership

Financial analysis

Excel

AI in finance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

MRI

Avid

Job description

Description

At NewMark Merrill, our unwavering commitment to "Doing Retail Better" has been the cornerstone of our success over the past 40 years. Through shifting landscapes, economic fluctuations, and industry disruptions, we remain steadfast in our dedication to connecting with communities, cultivating authentic environments, and empowering our tenants to thrive. With offices in Denver, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Chicago, NewMark Merrill proudly owns and manages over 12 million square feet of retail assets, comprised of over 2,000 tenants across 95 communities.

As a boutique-sized firm, we offer the best of both worlds: the efficiency of large portfolio economies of scale combined with the agility of swift decision-making and personalized attention from senior leadership. We are more than just landlords; we are partners in success. By fostering close relationships with communities, engaging directly with our merchants and shoppers, and investing in innovative technology and data collection, we provide invaluable insights that empower our tenants to thrive in our centers.

By deeply understanding the communities we serve and leveraging world-class technology, we maximize value and curate exceptional experiences that transform visitors into loyal customers. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond transactions; it's about creating lasting impact and fostering sustainable growth.

Above all, it's our people who propel NewMark Merrill to new heights of success and innovation. They are ambitious and talented individuals that bring their passion and expertise to our daily endeavors. We promote a welcoming team-oriented environment where we lead with innovation, address challenges head-on, encourage out-of-the-box thinking and celebrate our successes.

At NewMark Merrill we strive to elevate the retail experience, one community at a time. We invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to redefine the possibilities of retail.

Go to www.newmarkmerrill.com to learn more about the company and its culture.

Position Summary

NewMark Merrill Companies is seeking an experienced Controller to lead our property accounting function and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting across our retail real estate portfolio. The Controller oversees a team that includes Assistant Controllers, Property Accountants, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Collections. This role combines strong technical accounting expertise with hands-on, people-focused leadership and works closely with Sr. leadership and teams across the organization.

As a key leader within the organization, the Controller will set clear expectations, build accountability, develop and mentor team members, and strengthen both the accounting function and the team behind it. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, proactive leader who can improve processes, solve problems, and serve as a trusted partner to the business.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including review of financial statements, general ledger activity, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and supporting schedules to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Oversee CAM and tenant recovery reconciliations, including tenant billing adjustments and dispute resolution.
• Lead the annual property budgeting process; review completed budgets, support forecasting, variance analysis, and financial insights that inform business decisions.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, and general ledger accounting activities.
• Develop and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, systems, and reporting processes to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Maintain property insurance certificates for managed centers and coordinate information required for annual blanket policy renewals and workers’ compensation audits.
• Manage property insurance claims and coordinate with insurance brokers, property teams, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team by establishing clear expectations, providing regular feedback, building accountability, and creating a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Lead the accounting aspects of property acquisitions, dispositions, and management transitions.
• Coordinate accounting support and financial reporting for audits, tax preparation, ownership, lenders, and other external stakeholders.
• Partner with Property Management and senior leadership to resolve accounting issues, improve processes, and support business decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Prior leadership experience with responsibility for supervising, developing, and guiding an accounting team required.
• Commercial real estate, retail real estate, or property management accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of property accounting, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, CAM reconciliations, tenant recoveries, and property budgeting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with property management/accounting systems; MRI strongly preferred and Avid experience a plus.
• Experience using AI and emerging technologies to enhance accounting workflows, reporting, and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen controls, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.