The chief audit executive's risk-based plan should align with which aspect of the organization?

The chief audit executive's risk-based plan must align with the goals of the organization because the internal audit function is designed to assist the organization in achieving its strategic objectives. By ensuring that the audit plan reflects the organization's goals, the chief audit executive can prioritize areas that are most critical to the success of the organization. This alignment helps to identify and mitigate risks that could impede the achievement of those goals, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.

When the risk-based audit plan aligns with organizational goals, it ensures that audit resources are utilized where they can provide the most value. This proactive approach allows the internal audit function to be a strategic partner in governance and risk management, rather than just a compliance checker.

While the other options, such as internal audit procedures, compliance and regulatory standards, and external market trends, are important considerations for the internal audit function, they are secondary to ensuring that the audit activities directly support the core objectives of the organization.