Achieving the eCornell Certificate in USALI Reporting

“A new way of reading numbers — with purpose and precision.”

In May 2025, I proudly completed the eCornell Certificate in Examining USALI, a milestone that gave me a new lens through which to view hotel finance. The course wasn’t just about understanding a standardized reporting system — it was about learning to interpret what each number truly means for the departments behind them. I developed a stronger ability to read, structure, and analyze hotel income statements, assess departmental profitability, and benchmark results using the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI), a model used by leading hospitality brands worldwide.

What made this achievement even more meaningful is that, although I’m still a trainee, the Kempinski Hotel group — through its partnership with eCornell — gave me access to this opportunity, including a discounted enrollment. This reflects the company’s commitment to professional development at every level, and I’m grateful to have been encouraged and empowered to pursue learning that directly supports my growth.

This certification didn’t just enhance my theoretical understanding — it’s a tool I now use every day in my internship, helping me approach tasks with greater accuracy, awareness, and purpose