Cash application might not sound glamorous, but for CFOs, it’s mission-critical. And now Esker—the France-based provider of AI automation for finance—has earned a spotlight of its own. The Hackett Group has recognized Esker as a Top Performer in its 2025 Digital World Class Matrix for Cash Application Software, ranking it above peers across 10 performance criteria.

The recognition places Esker among the top 15 vendors evaluated for customer-to-cash processes. What sets it apart: AI-driven automation that not only speeds up the dull work of reconciling payments but also clears the way for smarter, leaner finance operations.

Why CFOs Care

Cashflow optimization is now the number one priority for finance chiefs, according to Hackett’s latest Finance Key Issues Study. And the math behind the urgency is stark: automation can reallocate 63% of staff, slash process costs by 43%, and free up unapplied cash that might otherwise sit idle.

For finance teams, those numbers mean more than efficiency. Faster cash allocation translates into stronger balance sheets, healthier customer relationships, and resilience against economic volatility.

Esker’s Edge

Esker’s Cash Application solution uses its Synergy AI engine to capture and reconcile payments against open invoices, even when remittance data is messy. Processing time drops from hours to minutes, while analysts focus only on exceptions instead of routine matches.

That combination of speed and usability was key to Esker’s “Top Performer” status, alongside features like:

• Multi-ERP integration capabilities

• AI-powered automation with agentic decision-making

• Global scalability and support

• Flexible remittance capture

• Real-time receivables visibility

• Customization and a clean user experience

“The easy-to-navigate interface helps analysts immediately see what needs to be done and focus on what matters most,” said Bryan DeGraw, Senior Research Director at The Hackett Group.

Real-World Payoff

Recognition is one thing, results are another. At Eagle Foods, Esker cut large remittance processing time in half, reduced open deductions by 80%, and trimmed cash posting time by 60%. For a process often viewed as a cost center, that’s a transformation CFOs can’t ignore.

The Bigger Picture

Finance software is in the middle of its own AI revolution. Where older tools automated basic data entry, today’s platforms aim to deliver strategic visibility. Esker’s recognition signals that the battle for dominance in the Office of the CFO will be fought not on features alone, but on the ability to connect automation directly to business impact—cash in, cash out, and fewer headaches in between.

For now, Esker has secured itself a seat at the head of the table.

Get in touch with our MarTech Experts.