Michael Almaraz joined the retail group at Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort in 2003 and specializes in shopping center leasing and tenant representation. He previously served in the tax services practices of KPMG and, most recently, Deloitte & Touche. His responsibilities at those firms included preparation and review of individual, trust, exempt organization, corporate and partnership federal and state income tax returns. Other duties included FASB 109 tax provision preparation and numerous research projects involving investigation of complex tax issues as well as the implementation of tax savings strategies. Mr. Almaraz began career in tax services in 1999, after receiving his law degree from Southern Methodist University.
From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Almaraz worked in the internal audit department of the Metromedia Restaurant Group, a $1.2 billion restaurant operating and franchising corporation. His responsibilities involved planning and coordinating all phases of audit work, including development of work programs, budgets, resolution of material financial statement issues, and execution of corporate audits. In addition to monthly franchise royalty reviews, other duties involved the training, supervision, and evaluation of corporate audit staff.
Mr. Almaraz began his auditing career in 1992. For the next two years, he worked in the Dallas office of Ernst & Young’s LLP’s Entrepreneurial Services Group, where he was responsible for reviewing and testing all areas of corporate financial reports. In addition to reviewing financial statements and footnotes, other responsibilities included 401(k) plan audits, state and local tax compliance reviews and the completion of individual, partnership and corporate tax returns.
Professional Affiliations
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
- Commercial Real Estate Council of Oklahoma City (CREC)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Texas State Bar Association
Personal Affiliations
- United Way
- Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Foundation
- Junior Achievement of Oklahoma