Vice President, Internal Audit

KSL Capital Partners; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KSL Capital Partners, LLC in Denver seeks a Vice President of Internal Audit to lead the firm’s risk-based audit program across the portfolio. The role demands autonomy, strong control assessment, and collaboration with leadership, portfolio company management, and external partners to improve governance and operational efficiency.

Will travel 25-40% globally, manage multiple engagements, and rely on COSO-based frameworks to identify gaps, drive remediation, and provide clear senior-level

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years in internal audit, risk management, or related fields.
• Experience in private equity, asset management, or portfolio company work preferred.
• Hospitality, hotels, resorts, or travel/leisure sector experience is a plus.
• CPA, CIA, or equivalent certification strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel 25–40% of time, including globally.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and execute a risk-based internal audit plan for KSL and portfolio companies.
• Evaluate design and operation of internal controls across finance, operations, and compliance.
• Identify gaps, recommend remediation, and monitor progress.
• Engage portfolio companies with on-site or remote reviews and strengthen governance.
• Prepare concise senior-level reports and provide insights into emerging risks.

Skills

Independent work

COSO framework

Analytical thinking

Executive reporting

Ownership & accountability

Stakeholder management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Firm Overview:

KSL Capital Partners, LLC (“KSL”) is a leading global private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises. KSL specializes in investments across five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate, and travel services. KSL has approximately $25 billion of assets under management across its equity, debt, and tactical opportunities funds and has completed over 185 investments since 2005. These investments include some of the premier businesses and properties in travel and leisure globally. Today, KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York City, New York; and London, England.

To learn more about the firm, please visit https://kslcapital.com/.

Role:

KSL is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Vice President of Internal Audit to lead and execute internal audit and control assessment activities across the firm and its portfolio. This individual will play a critical role in evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, identifying risks, and enhancing operational and financial processes across a diverse portfolio of hospitality and leisure businesses. This is a highly autonomous role requiring a self-directed professional who can independently plan and execute audits, while collaborating effectively with KSL leadership, portfolio company management teams, and external partners when needed.

Responsibilities:

Internal Audit & Controls Oversight

• Design, implement, and execute a risk-based internal audit plan across KSL and its portfolio companies
• Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls (financial, operational, and compliance)
• Identify control gaps, inefficiencies, and areas of risk, and provide actionable recommendations
• Monitor remediation efforts and track progress against identified issues

Portfolio Company Engagement

• Conduct periodic on-site or remote reviews of portfolio company processes and controls across hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses
• Assess financial reporting integrity, governance practices, and operational risk frameworks
• Partner with portfolio company management to strengthen control environments while maintaining independence

Risk Assessment & Reporting

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk assessment framework across the platform
• Prepare clear, concise reports for senior leadership summarizing findings, risks, and recommendations
• Provide ongoing insights into emerging risks and trends across the hospitality and leisure portfolio

Process Improvement

• Recommend and support implementation of best practices in internal controls, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Assist in standardizing policies and procedures where appropriate across portfolio companies

Collaboration & Resource Management

• Work independently while leveraging internal KSL resources or external contractors as needed for specific engagements
• Coordinate co-sourced audit activities when applicable
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and portfolio company leadership teams

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple engagements simultaneously
• Strong understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO) and risk assessment methodologies
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting
• Self-starter with a high degree of ownership and accountability
• Ability to travel 25%-40% of time including globally
• Comfortable operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment
• Pragmatic and solutions-oriented, with sound business judgment
• High integrity and professionalism

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8–12+ years of experience in internal audit, risk management, or related fields
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• Experience within private equity, asset management, or working with portfolio companies strongly preferred
• Experience in hospitality, hotels, resorts, or broader travel and leisure sectors a plus
• Background in public accounting (Big Four or similar) a plus
• CPA, CIA, or equivalent certification strongly preferred

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by employees assigned to this classification.