Kolleno Payments
Using Esker to manage your AP and AR processes? Or thinking about implementing it? Either way, you’re not alone. It’s a widely adopted platform, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for every business.
In this article, we will explore the six top alternatives to Esker. Each one offers a different take on automation, integration, and customer experience, so you can find the right fit for your finance team’s workflow.
What is Esker?
Esker is cloud-based software that helps businesses automate finance and customer service tasks. It’s best known for its work in accounts receivable and accounts payable. The goal is simple: reduce manual effort and speed up how money moves in and out of a company.
In accounts payable, Esker helps teams process purchase orders and approve invoices more efficiently. It removes many of the delays that come from chasing missing details or relying on manual checks. On the accounts receivable side, Esker helps companies issue invoices, collect payments, and track what’s outstanding. It also includes dashboards so teams can easily see what’s been paid and what still needs attention.
Why Look for an Esker Alternative?
Esker is a capable platform, but it’s not the right fit for every business. Some teams find the setup process long and difficult to manage without external help. Others say the software feels overly complex for everyday tasks.
Reporting can be hard to customize. Making changes often requires support or technical workarounds. That slows things down—especially if your team is trying to move quickly.
Customer service is another common complaint. Some users mention long response times when they raise issues. That can create delays in completing key tasks or resolving payment errors.
Finally, Esker isn’t always easy to integrate. If you’re using tools like Microsoft Dynamics or running a lean finance team, you might find the platform hard to connect to your existing setup. These pain points have led many businesses to explore tools that are faster to implement and easier to use.
The Top Esker Alternatives for AR Automation
If you’re exploring competitors to Esker for automating accounts receivable, you’re not short on options. From enterprise-grade platforms to leaner, more user-friendly tools, there’s a growing ecosystem of solutions designed to streamline collections, payment processing, and cash application.
Below, we’ve highlighted six strong contenders—each with a unique approach to improving AR efficiency.
Tool Comparison Table
| Tool | G2 Rating | Best For | Key Strengths |
| Kolleno | 4.9★ | Companies of all sizes, from enterprises to SMEs | AI-powered collections, branded portal, ERP integration |
| Billtrust | 4.4★ | Mid-to-large enterprises | End-to-end AR automation, custom portals, cash application |
| BILL AP/AR | 4.4★ | SMBs looking for integrated AP/AR | Unified workflows, multiple payment options, QuickBooks sync |
| HighRadius Accounts Receivable | 4.3★ | Large enterprises with complex AR needs | AI-based automation, forecasting, deep ERP integration |
| Quadient AR by YayPay | 4.5★ | Teams prioritising collaboration and customer insight | Communication tools, centralised dashboards, CRM integration |
| Upflow | 4.7★ | Growth-focused companies wanting simplicity | Clean UI, AR dashboards, automated follow-ups |
1. Kolleno
Kolleno helps finance teams take control of accounts receivable without drowning in admin. Its AI-powered workflows handle the chasing, matching, and updating—so you don’t have to. Instead of relying on manual follow-ups or fragmented systems, everything flows through one clean interface.
Customers get a better experience too. They can check what they owe, view past statements, and make payments through a branded portal that looks and feels like your business. It’s faster for them, and far easier for you.
Ideal For: Businesses of all sizes that want to speed up collections, reduce manual admin, and improve visibility across the AR function.
Key Features:
- AI-driven collections workflows
- Branded payment experience for customers
- Automated cash application
- ERP integrations for smoother operations
- Real-time analytics and cash flow insights
G2 Rating: 4.9*
2. Billtrust
BILL brings AP and AR together in one platform, so finance teams can see the full picture of their cash flow in real time. It’s especially useful for smaller businesses that want fewer systems and faster results.
The AR features handle much of the admin automatically. That includes sending invoices, chasing late payments, and logging what’s been received. Customers can pay in the way that suits them best, without adding extra steps for your team.
Ideal For: Mid-to-large enterprises looking for an end-to-end AR automation platform with strong payment capabilities.
Key Features:
- Automated invoicing and collections
- Secure, branded payment portals
- Cash application powered by AI
- Deep ERP integrations
- Real-time payment tracking and customer insights
G2 Rating: 4.4*
3. BILL AP/AR
BILL brings AP and AR together in one platform, so finance teams can see the full picture of their cash flow in real time. It’s especially useful for smaller businesses that want fewer systems and faster results.
The AR features handle much of the admin automatically. That includes sending invoices, chasing late payments, and logging what’s been received. Customers can pay in the way that suits them best, without adding extra steps for your team.
Ideal For: Small to medium-sized businesses that want an integrated AP/AR solution with automation baked in.
Key Features:
- AR and AP automation
- Digital invoice delivery and reminders
- Multiple payment options (ACH, card, etc.)
- Integration with QuickBooks, Xero, and more
- Custom branding and client communication tools
G2 Rating: 4.4*
4. HighRadius Accounts Receivable
HighRadius is designed for large businesses with complex AR needs. Its AI-driven tools help reduce manual effort across collections and cash application, while giving teams stronger control over credit risk.
The platform stands out for its ability to scale. Whether you’re managing thousands of customer accounts or handling multi-entity structures, HighRadius keeps processes running smoothly. It also uses predictive analytics to help teams act earlier and improve working capital over time.
Ideal For: Large enterprises needing a robust, AI-powered AR platform that integrates deeply with existing ERP systems.
Key Features:
- Autonomous collections and dunning workflows
- AI-based cash forecasting and risk scoring
- Automated cash application from multiple sources
- Integration with SAP, Oracle, and other ERPs
- Advanced analytics and credit management tools
G2 Rating: 4.3*
5. Quadient Accounts Receivable by YayPay
Quadient AR by YayPay puts visibility and collaboration at the heart of accounts receivable. It’s built for teams who want to stay on top of what’s owed—and keep customers in the loop every step of the way.
Rather than stitching together different tools for invoicing, reminders, and conversations, YayPay centralizes them. That means fewer delays, fewer crossed wires, and a more connected experience for everyone involved.
Ideal For: Teams that want a user-friendly AR system with strong collaboration features and excellent customer visibility.
Key Features:
- Automated invoicing and payment reminders
- Centralized communication and notes tracking
- Customer self-service portal
- Real-time payment status and analytics
- ERP and CRM integration
G2 Rating: 4.5*
6. Upflow
Upflow offers a fresh approach to AR. It’s light, fast, and easy to navigate—ideal for finance teams who want to stay focused on what matters instead of wrestling with clunky systems.
Everything you need to manage cash collection is built in. You can follow up on invoices, track progress, and share updates with your team—all from one simple interface. The result? Fewer surprises, more control, and stronger cash flow.
Ideal For: Growing businesses that want powerful AR automation without the overhead of a traditional enterprise system.
Key Features:
- Automated follow-ups and reminders
- Customisable workflows and email templates
- Shared AR dashboards across teams
- Payment tracking and forecasting tools
- Integrations with tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Netsuite
G2 Rating: 4.7*
Why Kolleno Is the Best Esker Alternative
Kolleno is built for modern finance teams who want to move faster and do more with less. Unlike Esker, it’s simple to set up and easy to use from day one. There’s no lengthy onboarding or heavy configuration.
The platform automates time-consuming tasks like payment reminders, invoice management, and customer follow-ups. You get a clear view of what’s paid, what’s overdue, and what needs action—without digging through spreadsheets or chasing missing data.
Kolleno also gives customers a smooth payment experience. The branded portal lets them view invoices, download statements, and pay online. That means fewer delays and less time waiting for responses.
Finally, support is fast, human, and hands-on. If you need help, you get it—without having to escalate or wait days for a reply. For teams that want reliable software without the friction, Kolleno is a smarter choice.
Final Thoughts
Esker has helped many businesses improve their finance processes. But for some teams, it creates new challenges—slow support, difficult integrations, and systems that feel heavier than they need to be.
If you’ve found yourself working around the software instead of with it, it’s worth exploring other options. The right tool should simplify your workflow, not slow it down.
Kolleno offers a more intuitive way forward. It’s designed to help you move faster, reduce manual effort, and stay in control of your cash flow.
Curious to see how it works in practice? Book a demo with Kolleno and find out if it’s the right fit for your team.
