About us
Google’s highest-rated Oxfordshire accountancy firm
Mark Spolander and Samantha Newport founded Modus Accountants in March 2018. As a multiple business owner Mark had worked with a number of accountancy firms, but struggled to find one that provided the level of proactivity and responsiveness that he needed.
Bringing together a dynamic team led by Samantha, not only offer the essential accountancy services but also business advice and guidence to help your businesses grow.
Oxfordshire-based Modus operates from offices in Witney and Frilford, supporting businesses across the UK, with a fresh approach to accountancy that has proved popular. Modus now works with hundreds of clients and consistently receives positive 5-star ratings on Google.
Get in touch to see how we can help your business.
Meet our team
Meet our team
Samantha Newport ACMA
Managing Director
CIMA qualified, I have 20 years of experience working in finance and accountancy services. Having worked as a commercial accountant until early 2018, I then moved to help set-up Modus Accountants.
Having seen Modus grow from a startup business, it has enabled me to support and advise other early-stage and SME business owners and watching as they evolve and grow.
Gaining vast experience in tax over the years, I am now currently studying towards my Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) Qualification to further support our clients.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my two young children, enjoying the odd ice cream, and glass of prosecco.
Jenna Lloyd ACCA
Senior Manager
I have been working in accountancy practices for over 15 years and joined Modus back in 2019.
After taking a few years out to have a family, I successfully completed my ACCA Qualification in early 2022. Over the years I have worked with hundreds of businesses across all industries helping them grow and be as tax efficient as posisble.
Outside of the office, I enjoy going to the theatre and have a real love of Shakespeare – in a former life I even pursued this as a profession, going to drama school and even touring with Take That!
Nick Wilson FCA
Senior Manager
Nick has many years of experience dealing with small and medium sized businesses, having qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008. During his tenure at the firm, he has become an invaluable resource for new employees and new graduates that join the practice. He ensures that both staff and clients receive the assistance they need to meet ever-increasing compliance requirements whilst also maximising the extraction of profits for the clients they serve.
Outside of work he enjoys playing in a brass band, running, cycling and most recently successfully met the challenge of an iron-man competition.
Lauren Herrington
Accountant
I began my accounting career off the back of Covid after deciding on a career change, having graduated from university with a Sport Science degree. I am studying to become both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor and I am now part qualified. I joined Modus in February 2024, and I’m already enjoying the responsibility of managing a larger portfolio of clients. I primarily prepare year-end accounts, assist other members of the team, and help clients with their queries.
In my spare time, I am a keen rower where I train 6 days a week, competing in both national and international competitions. I also enjoy spending time with my family and decorating our newly bought house.
Margaret Heaton
Payroll Manager
Margaret joined the company eight years ago having a background in Human Resources and over 35 years’ experience in payroll management. She is now primarily responsible for Payroll Services, Company Secretarial and Credit Control.
Whilst away from the office she enjoys cooking, crafting and gardening.
Brooke Rusher
Accounts Assistant
After completing my A-Levels in 2021, I have now been with Modus for almost 2 years where I first started my Accountancy journey. Since being with Modus I have completed my Level 2 AAT Qualification and have recently begun my ACCA Qualification at the Reed Business School. Here at Modus, I assist the senior team in preparing Year End Accounts and Self-Assessment Tax Returns, also providing support in areas such as bookkeeping and VAT Returns.
Layla Starsmore
Practice Manager
I started my career in finance after school as a cashier at a High Street Bank, I worked my way up to a local business manager, looking after a portfolio of clients. After leaving the corporate world to start a family, I decided to go back to college and retrain as a bookkeeper and accountant, completing level 4 AAT in 2019.
I am also an experienced practice manager ensuring the practice runs smoothly, helping our clients and supporting the team.
I spend most of my weekends either at a motocross track with my children, attending concerts and festivals or making the most of our national trust membership.
Laura Readshaw
PA and Admin Support
Laura is a highly experienced administrator, having held several customer facing roles and supporting directors in small to medium businesses for the duration of her career. At Modus, she is responsible for new client onboarding, as well as supporting our directors as a PA. In her spare time, Laura is an avid silversmith, and also enjoys gardening and cross-stitching.
Maddy Debenham
Payroll & Bookkeeping Assistant
I started working in finance 6 years ago, after having graduated from university with a degree in Fine Art, Critical and Curatorial Practices. Since then, I have completed my IAB level 2 Bookkeeping qualification, and have experience working in a large company and smaller accountancy practices.
I joined Modus in April 2024, I assist with Payroll Services, Company Secretarial and Credit Control, along with supporting senior team members with Bookkeeping.
In my spare time I enjoy spending days out with my family, reading, and indulging in my fascination with true crime.
What it’s like to be a client
From hairdressers and physiotherapists to property investors and construction businesses, we support them all.
Below is just a snapshot of some of the great businesses we work with.
