Liberty Tax, troubled by the firing of its CEO and resulting turmoil, has promoted 37-year-old Nicholas Bates to the position of CFO. He replaces Kathleen Donovan, who resigned in November despite being given a retention bonus after the company terminated CEO and founder John Hewitt in September.

Community Brands, which has expanded in the nonprofit market by acquisition, has secured three more target companies. The St. Petersburg, Fla.-based software vendor had purchased 501 Auctions and Gesture and has an agreement to acquire GiveSmart.

Arxis Technology, led by two CPAs well known in the profession, is becoming part of RKL eSolutions of Lancaster, Pa. Simi Valley, Calif.-based Arxis is led by David Cieslak and Bob Gaby. Cieslak is known for his presentations about technology under the name "Inspector Gadget."