Accountant Peas-is it hard to see others getting bonuses

if you think you are not being compensated fairly, look for a new job.

Life isn’t always as easy as just getting a new job.

Can you approach someone at your workplace and negotiate a better salary? It’s prob complicated because I’m not sure how much info you have about raises is supposed to be confidential, so even though it is in the purview of your job to see these numbers, it is unlikely that simple to just lay it all out there.

It's almost always true that the best way to get substantial raises is to leave. That's not to say you can't get them if you stay, but it's rare you can stay in the same position and get as large of a raise as you would by going elsewhere. 

If they are paying you below market now, I'm guessing they have been for quite a while. If you want to stay, you need to put together information on market rates for your experience and position in your geographic area and industry. Also create a list of quantifiable ways you contribute to the profitability of the company. Prove your value and your worth and tell them what they need to pay your to stay. 

But you need to be prepared to be disappointed with the results. 

Best of luck to you.

This, this, this... so very much this. I stayed in a somewhat similar situation (Dir Acctg & Financial Systems for publicly traded company) for probably 4 years longer than I should have. It was just soul-killing seeing raises and bonuses come through while being undercompensated. The problem wasn't my boss, who had been putting me in for raises and bonuses, it was our complete dickwad of a CFO who wanted to look like some kind of idiotic hero for keeping SG&A in the finance dept down. OMG that man was such an asshole.

It really, really wore on me, to the point where I was almost obsessed with it. I became depressed, started taking really long (like 40 min) showers where I would just stand there and wonder why the hell I was still there, became bitter, anxious, grouchy with my family... It was really horrible. I've always been an overachiever at work and this was the first time in my career where I wasn't getting above average raises/bonuses and promotions.

Finally went to see a therapist, got on some antidepressants, saw the perfect job opening (on LinkedIn), applied, and GOT IT. Just a few miles from my house, about 30% more comp, awesome company, awesome coworkers. Best thing I EVER did for myself. 

Don't let this company get you down. You owe them nothing. Put your resume together (tonight!!!) and get yourself a better life. Don't listen to any "well, the grass is always greener" bullshit from anyone you know, either. Sometimes it actually is, and there is only one way to find out.

Agree. And if an experienced accountant of your level is hard to find right now, you can go elsewhere. It kind of sounds like you want to stay with the "devil you know" so to speak.

No, no spreadsheets here. After 15 years here, on a near daily basis, I remember many peas. Sometimes someone will post about a subject that resonates. Your struggle over whether or not to leave the job, as well as not being compensated properly was one of those because it reminded me of myself and a couple of job situations at a younger age. You seem to be a very loyal and giving employee, one that has been (and continues to be) taken advantage of by a boss who doesn't fully value you or your talents. I wish you well in your job, whether that be staying put and asking for more money, or it means starting a new job search for a company that will value your loyalty and work ethic.

IN most industries there is a big difference between a salary (steady dependable income based on your job description and agreement) and a bonus (extra one time money based on extraordinary success in contracting clients or sales)  A bonus isn't the same as a raise. It is a one time payout. Do you really want to work on a bonus system?  Since you worked there previously, why did you go back knowing it paid less than market salary? You must be getting something, even if intangible, from returning to a low pay job and sticking with it. Don't hate on the people getting bonuses. I bet you'll find out they are working 50+ hours  a week and under a lot of stress to perform more than just getting through their 40 hours.  If you aren't happy with your pay either ask for a raise or move on.

I saw a coworkers Christmas bonus check on my boss's desk once while I was looking for something else. It stung to know that I was working my behind off day in and day out while she was often out "sick", coming in late, watching tv, and playing on her phone all day and her Christmas bonus was 6x what mine was. I found a new job a few months later. Best thing I ever did.