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. 

 

 

 

Bethany College Baccalaureate and Commencement Speakers

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.

Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

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.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . 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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