Kealan Brennan
Dublin
Summary
Highly motivated and dedicated Group Tax Manager with nearly 7 years of experience in a fast-paced, dynamic multinational environment. Experienced in managing and leading teams, driving compliance, and delivering multi-jurisdictional strategic tax solutions. Possesses strong technical tax expertise and knowledge, with broad expertise across all tax heads and experience managing nuanced deliverables. Skilled in planning, streamlining, and innovating tax processes, implementing systems such as TRCS and GVRT, and ensuring robust controls and governance in line with SOX requirements. Adept at adapting to change, coordinating across business functions, and overseeing critical tax processes to support business objectives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Tax Manager
Ardagh Group
2025 - Current
- Managed the end-to-end group tax function, overseeing Irish and Luxembourg corporate tax compliance
- Managed all aspects of tax compliance (from annual tax returns and local tax provisioning to quarterly reporting and cash tax payments) across 20+ within the EU, Africa and the Americas.
- Spearheaded the group’s Pillar 2 implementation, including design and documentation of robust controls, processes, and governance frameworks, preparation of calculations and reporting templates, and coordination across multiple jurisdictions and business units to ensure compliance with OECD GloBE rules
- Substantially managed both quarterly and year-end auditing process including data gathering, evidence compilations and tax calculations focused on compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for Revenue and tax authorities, managing and preparing defence positions for tax audits, covering complex legal areas relating to transfer pricing, cross border transactions, customs, VAT and tax compliance.
- Led VAT compliance and reporting initiatives, including bi-monthly VAT returns, quarterly VIES filings, and technical VAT advisory across multiple jurisdictions
- Provided strategic tax planning, structuring, and advisory support to senior management and Financial Directors, identifying opportunities to optimize group tax positions
- Ensured SOX-compliant tax controls, governance, and documentation across the group; reviewed and improved internal processes for efficiency and risk mitigation
- Extensively managed operational and financial transfer pricing including the preparation of local files, modeling intercompany management charges, preparing debt/equity financing, calculating uncertain tax provisions and presenting same to more senior personnel
- Liaised closely with finance, legal, and other group functions to integrate tax considerations into broader business strategy
- Streamlined group tax processes using TRCS, automating data collection, reporting, and reconciliations to improve efficiency and accuracy
- Conducted complex tax research, interpreted legislative updates, and provided actionable guidance for both compliance and strategic decision-making.
Trainee Tax Accountant
Ardagh Group
2019 - 2022
- Assisted in the preparation and submission of Irish and Luxembourg tax returns, including preliminary tax calculations and close company surcharge filings
- Supported interim and year-end group tax reporting cycles within a multinational group function
- Prepared bi-monthly VAT returns and quarterly VIES filings, and assisted with ad-hoc research for technical VAT queries
- Supported the preparation of Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) and transfer pricing documentation by collating and validating subsidiary data
- Performed tax data reconciliations between statutory accounts, tax computations, and group reporting schedules
- Assisted in maintaining SOX-compliant tax controls, including documentation and evidence collection
- Prepared and maintained process documentation and working papers in line with internal control requirements
- Liaised with local finance teams to request, track, and review tax-related information
- Assisted with responses to internal audit, external audit, and group reporting queries
- Conducted tax research and summarised findings for senior team members
Tax Accountant
Ardagh Group
2022 - 2025
- Managed Irish and Luxembourg tax compliance, including corporation tax, preliminary tax, and close company surcharge filings
- Supported interim and year-end group tax reporting and prepared tax provisions for consolidation purposes
- Led the implementation of GVRT across the group to enhance VAT compliance and reporting efficiency
- Assisted in configuring TRCS to improve group-wide corporate tax reporting and data validation processes
- Prepared bi-monthly VAT returns and quarterly VIES filings, and conducted ad-hoc technical VAT research
- Coordinated Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) and transfer pricing documentation, ensuring accurate data from subsidiaries
- Liaised closely with other group functions, local finance teams, and Financial Directors to gather, validate, and explain tax data
- Assisted with tax planning, structuring, and strategy initiatives, identifying opportunities to optimize group tax positions
- Maintained SOX-compliant tax controls, documentation, and audit evidence for both internal and external audit purposes
- Reviewed and supervised trainee work and junior tax staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with group policies.
- Conducted extensive tax research and applied legislative updates to group reporting and compliance processes
Education
Chartered Tax Advisor -
Irish Tax Institute
01-2024
Chartered Certified Accountant -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
01-2022
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance - Second Class Honours -
University of Limerick
01-2019
Leaving Certificate -
CCM Secondary School, Galway
01-2014
Skills
- Problem Solving Skills
- Organisation and Time Management
- Effective Communication
- Attention to Detail and Accuracy
- Leadership
- Critical Thinking
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Group Tax Manager
Ardagh Group
2025 - Current
Trainee Tax Accountant
Ardagh Group
2019 - 2022
Tax Accountant
Ardagh Group
2022 - 2025
Chartered Tax Advisor -
Irish Tax Institute
Chartered Certified Accountant -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance - Second Class Honours -
University of Limerick
Leaving Certificate -
CCM Secondary School, Galway