Deborah Biggs
Letchworth Garden City,Hertfordshire
Summary
With over 26 years in Property Management, an accomplished professional with expertise in leadership and team building, strategic problem-solving, and effective communication. Demonstrates proficiency in Qube and Propman, with some experience of DataStation, and Creatio, with a strong background in service charge accounting and data analysis. Experienced in senior management roles, technology & systems integration, and process improvement. Adept at strategic planning to drive organisational success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
6007
6007
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Core Business Services
FirstPort Property Services Limited
London
2024.09 - 2026.02
- Led business improvement initiatives across FirstPort, focusing on process and system enhancements.
- Managed a team of three subject matter experts in Finance, Health and Safety Compliance, and Customer Experience.
- Migrated property site inspections from Safety Culture to DataStation, improving user experience and compliance management.
- Simplified financial structure in Qube, enabling consistent account preparation and supporting transparency initiatives.
- Ensured systems readiness for Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act, and Energy Act compliance.
- Enhanced financial accuracy through system improvements for Right First Time Posting of transactions.
- Verified asset data in systems to maintain health and safety compliance and accurate documentation.
Head of M&A Finance Integration
FirstPort Property Services Limited
London
2022.12 - 2024.07
- Transformed system data for fifteen property management businesses, encompassing approximately 245,000 units.
- Led a team of SQL developers and system experts to establish data transformation logic.
- Collaborated with internal teams, including accounts payable and customer services, to ensure seamless operational integration.
- Managed unique project requirements for each acquisition to protect service quality and customer experience.
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
FirstPort Property Services Limited
London
2019.03 - 2022.11
- Transitioned BRAM business into FirstPort post-acquisition and closed Brentford office.
- Ensured ex-BRAM development financials maintained high standards within FirstPort portfolio.
- Led service charge accounts function across Property Services and Large & Complex divisions with a team of 50 staff.
- Acted as Finance lead for FirstPort Digital Transformation Project, integrating finance functions with overall business vision.
- Transformed financial operations to align with other business services effectively.
Director of Support Services
Barratt Residential Asset Management
Brentford, Ealing
2012.09 - 2019.03
- Established Barratt Residential Asset Management, managing 11,000 homes in over six years.
- Selected and implemented Propman property management system to streamline operations.
- Integrated full capabilities of Propman, becoming a key client for Grosvenor Systems.
- Developed comprehensive support services including accounts payable and customer services.
- Led a team of 11 staff and outsourced resources to enhance operational efficiency.
- Continuously assessed best practices to improve customer experience at Barratt London.
- Oversaw transition of ten partially completed developments back to Barratt control in April 2013.
Service Charge Accounts / Head of New Business
Peverel Property Management Services
Luton
2000.01 - 2012.09
- Generated new business through existing and prospective clients, managing a pipeline of approximately eighty developments.
- Led a team of fifteen in integrating new developments into management post-tender.
- Implemented a new CRM system to support business growth targets of five percent annually.
- Reviewed and enhanced departmental processes to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with developers to provide detailed reports and calculations for void unit expenditure.
- Managed a team of about 20 accountants, ensuring adherence to HR policies and procedures.
- Trained and supported two accountants while leading a major client-focused team.
- Prepared annual accounts for Trusts and Resident Management Companies, ensuring accuracy in reconciliations and consultations.
Education
IPD Stage 1 - Personnel & Development
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Hitchin, HertfordshireMAAT - Accountancy
Association of Accounting Technicians
LutonATPI - Property Management
The Property Institute
LondonSkills
- Senior leadership and team building
- Strategic planning & problem-solving
- Effective communication
- Proficiency in Qube, Propman,
- Some knowledge of DataStation, Creatio
- Service charge accounting expertise
- Data analysis
- Technology & systems
- Process improvement
Affiliations
- Keeping fit, socialising with friends and family
Timeline
Head of Core Business Services
FirstPort Property Services Limited
2024.09 - 2026.02
Head of M&A Finance Integration
FirstPort Property Services Limited
2022.12 - 2024.07
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
FirstPort Property Services Limited
2019.03 - 2022.11
Director of Support Services
Barratt Residential Asset Management
2012.09 - 2019.03
Service Charge Accounts / Head of New Business
Peverel Property Management Services
2000.01 - 2012.09
IPD Stage 1 - Personnel & Development
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
MAAT - Accountancy
Association of Accounting Technicians
ATPI - Property Management
The Property Institute