RIMS-CRMP Stories

Bill Coller is the Enterprise Risk and Internal Controls Manager at Paychex, a market leader in HR, payroll, and benefits. Most of his career has been with the company and in 2024, he received the RIMS ERM Global Award of Distinction. While earning his RIMS-CRMP in 2024, he learned unique ways to further solidify his ERM processes.

RIMS: What inspired you to earn the RIMS-CRMP?

Coller: There are a couple reasons I decided to pursue the RIMS-CRMP. One reason is to ensure I continue to develop my knowledge of the profession, not only through the process to earn the RIMS-CRMP, but also the process to retain the RIMS-CRMP. After earning the certification, I am compelled to continue to develop my knowledge through the CE requirement, which is great. The other reason that I chose to pursue the certification is that I enjoy facing any challenge and especially the requirement of having to pass the exam. It gives a great sense of achievement.

RIMS: Practically your entire career has been with Paychex in various roles in risk, or in ones that are risk adjacent. How did these experiences lend to your knowledge base as a risk manager and for passing the exam?

Coller: My career at Paychex certainly gave me a good basis for achieving the RIMS-CRMP. I've had the great fortune at Paychex to experience many different facets of risk management and to learn from amazing risk leaders. I believe our risk programs at Paychex are very mature and very effective. All of this combines to provide a very solid foundation for how a risk organization can operate.

RIMS: In what ways do the certification's scope and domains correspond to your day-to-day responsibilities leading ERM at Paychex?

Coller: As I prepared for the exam, I noticed some differences in the Paychex environment. With my long tenure at the company, I am familiar with how we manage risk. While much of our approach aligns with the RIMS-CRMP domains, there are some subtle differences that stood out. This observation reinforced my belief that each company likely handles things a bit differently. The curriculum allowed me to envision how we might adopt different concepts or why we might keep things our way.

RIMS: How did Paychex support your exam preparation and respond afterward?

Coller: Paychex is committed to fostering ongoing professional development for all employees. After achieving the RIMS-CRMP, there was a department-wide announcement and many of my risk colleagues congratulated me, which is always nice to hear.

RIMS: How has the RIMS-CRMP elevated your professional profile and how does it complement other certifications?

Coller: It's been great to have this certification added to my email signature and my online profile. For those in the risk profession, the RIMS-CRMP is very recognizable and respected. I am also designated as an IRS Enrolled Agent, which does have some crossover to the RIMS-CRMP.

RIMS: How did you study for the exam?

Coller: I attended a RIMS sponsored workshop, which was very helpful. As mentioned before, I had a solid foundation to build from, but the workshop helped me to prepare for the exam through reinforcement of my existing knowledge and through topics that I may not come across frequently.

RIMS: What is your preferred method(s) for accruing recertification points?

Coller: I attend conferences and webinars, mainly. I have also facilitated some speaking engagements, which I plan to continue. I also recently completed the RIMS-CRO Certificate Program in Advanced Enterprise Risk Management, which will qualify for recertification. On that note, I highly recommend the RIMS-CRO Certificate program with James Lam. It was great to learn from an ERM legend and from others in the program.

RIMS: What are some other RIMS resources that have helped you along the way?

Coller: Having the opportunity to engage with others through RIMS programs has been great. The learning opportunities are vast and the ability to network with other risk professionals across the globe is incredibly beneficial. I would be remiss if I neglect to mention the RIMS chapter that I belong to, Upstate New York. The Upstate New York chapter's leadership group does an amazing job with providing additional learning opportunities and networking opportunities.

Hear Bill on RIMScast in November 2025 and read more about Paychex’s award-winning ERM program.

See the full RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep calendar.

Interview by Justin Smulison, RIMS Business Content Manager