What is the best way to survey CFOs?

Mary,
Based on the brief outline you have given, here are some ideas:

1. Make sure your message emphasizes early on the real value the respondents can expect from taking time to answer your survey.
2. I think a "short" survey should not go over 10 questions...ask a neutral person to time themselves doing it for you. 10 minutes is the max. In any event, get a few folk to answer your prototype first to ensure you ask the right questions in the right manner; and, if your survey is international, avoid USA based TLA's :)
3. Do you need the CFO to answer or the finance person who really knows what's going on? Invite the person you contact to forward it to the person best equipped to answer your questions.
4. Use an online survey tool with a clean and simple interface.

Hope that helps.

Thanks, Len. Yes, that's helpful.

I'm also wondering which surveying platform or resource to use.

Do you know of a particular survey service that would be more effective than others?

Try SurveyMonkey.com - there is a free version and a pay for (more features) version(s).