Denise Peterson ('85) - A Leader in the Accounting Profession

December 3, 2021

Denise Peterson ‘85, began her career at Bethany College in Lindsborg Kansas where she earned an Economics/Business degree and a concentration in Accounting.  While at Bethany she was active in the Business Club and a member of Sigma Phi Omega. She and her husband Corey Peterson ‘84, returned to Lindsborg after 25 years in Topeka, where she worked in accounting for the Hemslojd. Denise became an adjunct professor in the Business Department at Bethany College in 2011 and transitioned to full-time faculty from 2012-2014, while maintaining her ties to the corporate world. She has served as an alumni class agent for the class of 1985 and sponsor to the Business Club. Her ties to the Business Club at Bethany are especially significant to her. While an undergrad, she was a participant in the Business Conference they sponsored, was invited to give the keynote address in 2021, and served on the accounting panel. 

 

Before finding her way back to Lindsborg, she taught Financial Accounting each semester under the direction of a full professor on campus, while earning a graduate degree at Kansas State University.  Although not eligible to win Teacher of the Year, she was nominated by students for the award.

 

She moved to CBIZ, where, as President of the Topeka office, she was responsible for all operations in the Topeka and Leavenworth offices (up to 75 employees, depending on the season), plus relationships and coordination with other Presidents in the Midwest Region and nationally under the CBIZ umbrella. The firm exceeded its budget every year and received numerous quarterly awards for highest success across the country. One of Denise's responsibilities was attending and learning from national leadership trainings for all office Presidents. During her time at BCC/CBIZ, she progressed from the position of staff accountant, through manager of clients and jobs, to shareholder in 1992, and then to managing director of the office in 2000. This included opportunities to work in each major department of the firm, including tax, audit, and writeup, as well as to develop supporting services such as recruiting, budgeting, and human resources, among others. Industry specialties ranged from construction to affordable housing, as well as certain government contracts. After nearly eight years managing the office and participating in national meetings and management, as well as year-round client management and tax review work, she transitioned out of management to focus instead on tax review work in the spring, with special due diligence projects on national CBIZ accounting firm acquisitions, only, as needed in the off-season.

 

Denise began busy season tax review work with SJHL after relocating to Lindsborg to be near their newly acquired Scandinavian import business; at the same time, she was teaching at Bethany College and accounting for the small business' operations. This grew into a full-time, year-round position in 2014. In addition to upper-level tax return review, her responsibilities include tax team leadership, training, and managing others.

 

Thoughts on being an experienced female leader in the accounting profession: "Accounting is a unique, flexible profession that provides the opportunity for anyone willing to learn and work, while being respectful of others (clients & coworkers), to be a wildly successful leader positively impacting others, regardless of gender. And Every. Business. Needs. Accountants. You can help a variety of companies via the public accounting route, or instead, choose any industry to pursue, preferably one you are passionate about. The sky is the limit!"

 

Other Roles: Denise currently volunteers for the Smoky Valley Community Foundation (Treasurer and Board Member), Lindsborg Midsummer's Festival Committee (Treasurer and Board Member), Lindsborg Community Hospital (Board Member), Bethany College Accounting Advisory Council, KSU Accounting Advisory Council (Charter member), KSU Accounting & Tech Conference Steering Committee, and

Bethany Lutheran Church Audit Committee.

 

The Women to Watch are inspirational leaders not only to women but all accountants. Their contributions to accounting keep the profession cutting edge and forward-thinking! They embody the CPA designation through their virtue, wisdom, and drive. 

 

 

 


April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 31, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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