"Stay curious, it keeps you adaptable in a changing world."
Ria Pretorius leads a dynamic team within the Advisory Business Unit under Business Risk Services. Her focus is on shaping the future of internal audit, risk management, and business improvement, integrating technology to make processes smarter, faster, and more robust. She works closely with clients to help them adopt new technologies effectively, ensuring change is understood, embraced, and delivers measurable value.
Her career began as a chartered accountant in audit, but a pivotal moment in 2000 shifted her path toward technology and business risk. Recognising early the power of technology to both enhance and compromise decision-making, she pursued further qualifications in computer auditing and a master’s degree, building a career that blends deep technical expertise with strategic insight.
She sees the internal audit profession evolving rapidly with the integration of digital tools, automation, and new standards aligned to today’s digital risks. She believes the profession must move beyond manual processes toward real-time insights, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management. Her outlook emphasises:
When asked what Turning Growth into Shared Progress means to her, Ria says:
"Turning growth into shared progress for me is making sure that as we grow our clients, we grow the people within those clients, we grow the communities around them, and we make sure that growth is not only for the business but for everyone it touches."
Maria helps clients navigate change with a focus on:
She works alongside clients to ensure technology delivers tangible benefits, reduces risks, and empowers teams to make better decisions.
Maria believes the future of internal audit and risk lies in combining technological innovation with human insight, ensuring businesses are resilient, adaptive, and contributing to shared progress in their industries and communities.
Let’s shape a future where growth uplifts everyone.
Partner with SNG Grant Thornton, Turning Growth into Shared Progress.
